Left stage demonstration against Bush

Kolkata, Mar 2 (UNI) Raising slogans and burning effigies of US President George W Bush, Left parties staged a massive demonstration in the city today as part of their nationwide programme.

Calling the visiting US President a 'symbol of imperialism' and an 'unwanted guest', the main rally, staged just across the American Information Center, also warned the UPA Government against toeing the NDA policy of 'surrendering' the country's interests to America.

Speaking on the occasion, Left Front Committee Chairman Biman Bose alleged that the visit of Mr Bush was aimed at making India a partner in the possible attack on Iran and capturing the country's market for US multinational companies.

'' Bush's visit has a relation to the US attempt to make India a partner in its conspiracy to invade Iran. In the name of supporting the Indian nuke programme and extending help in other areas, the US is also trying to capture our market, '' he said.

Mr Bose alleged that the Indo-US Knowledge Initiative Agreement on agricultural research and education and the agreement on biotechnology would affect at least 60 per cent people of the country, while the Patent Holding Rights would take away Indian rights on the indigenous medicinal plants to serve the interest of US multinational companies affecting the tribal people.

By signing these agreements, the Congress-led UPA Government was violating the Common Minimum Programme (CMP), which had promised to protect the interests of the country's poor people, he said.

Declaring that the rally was also a show of protest against the UPA Government's 'hobnobbing' with the US, CPI(M) State Secretary Anil Biswas alleged that the 'pro-us' lobby in the present Government was trying to control the country while those opposed to American imperialism were being isolated.

'' The move to sell out the country to the US started during the rule of the BJP-led NDA. Now the UPA Government is also following the same path, '' he said.

Leaders of other Left Front partners also addressed the rally, attended by Front supporters and workers from eight districts.

While the background of the stage presented a gory picture of 'US torture' in Iraq, a replica of a missile was put in demonstration as a symbol of US aggression. A number of effigies of the US President were burnt before and after the rally.

UNI KDG SJC RA RS1917