RPI to organise anti-inflation week in MP

Bhopal, June 11 (UNI) The Republican Party of India (Athawale), an ally of the United Progressive Alliance Government in Centre, will organise 'anti-inflation' week across Madhya Pradesh from June 16 to June 23.

RPI President Ramdas Athawale told a press conference here that the party would stage sit-ins and demonstrations in all the district headquarters besides organising rail blockade.

Mr Athawale, who was here to address a convention organised on the occasion of golden jubilee of the party, said the Centre had failed to control inflation. His party was staging a similar protest in Maharashtra that would conclude on June 16.

He said common people were facing problems with steep hike in prices of petrol, diesel and cooking gas. The Madhya Pradesh Government could provide some relief in this regard as done in Maharashtra and New Delhi.

Mr Athawale said the government must amend the Prevention of Atrocities (Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe) Act to make it stronger. These sections were being harassed by other sections and were being neglected by the government.

He demanded that the government form a team to study their problems and provide solutions to resolving them.

The RPI leader said the party intended to contest from all 230 seats. He would distribute 40 per cent tickets to dalits.

He described Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President Raj Thackeray's statements on North Indians as unconstitutional and demanded ban on his party. He said he had invited Rail Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav to perform 'Chhatth' in Mumbai.

UNI AKS-PS 1953