Left urges PM to clarify Patel's words on airport modernisation

New Delhi, May 26 (UNI) Taking strong exception to the reported statement of Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel on going in for a joint venture for modernisation of Kolkata and Chennai airports, Left leaders today urged Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to clarify the Government policy on the issue.

''If what the civil aviation Minister is stating is indeed the policy of the government, then it was clear that the government was pursuing privatisation as a matter of policy for the most profitable airports,'' they said.

This was also a clear departure from the stated position in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP), said the leter signed by CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat, CPI general secretary and All India Forward Bloc and Revolutionary Socialist Party leaders.

The left leaders said that in the several round of talks his party had with the Prime Minister, the government had categorically stated that Airports Authority Of India (AAI) funds could not be used for modernisation of the Delhi and Mumbai airports as it would be required for modernisation of other airports.

There was no talk of any joint venture with private companies for other airports under the AAI, he said.

''We therefore urge you to come out with an authoritative policy pronouncement of the government on the subject which is in keeping with the CMP,'' they said.

UNI NAZ MSJ BST2223