CPI(ML) hails Kalam's decision on office of profit Bill

Vijayawada, June 1 : The CPI(ML) today welcomed President A P J Abdul Kalam's decision to send back for re-consideration the controversial office of profit Bill.

Addressing a press conference here, CPI(ML) general secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya said any exemption of certain offices of profit to save the members of parliament and state assemblies would amount to complete travesty of justice.

Mr Bhattacharya urged the Centre to have a second look at the bill.

Commenting on the performance of the Congress government in Andhra Pradesh, he alleged that the government was betraying the people by diverting from the promises given at the time of elections.

He said the coming local body elections would give a political opportunity to the CPI(ML) to highlight the anti-people policies of the government.

Mr Bhattacharya alleged that the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act(NREGA) was openly flouted in Andhra Pradesh. The people with job cards were not getting jobs under the Act.

He said the Congress ruled Andhra Pradesh and Maharastra top the list in terms of suicides by farmers.

He also alleged that Union Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar was spending more time with the BCCI than the state administration.

Referring to poll alliance in the local body elections, he said his party would have adjustments with other Communist parties except CPI and CPI(M).

Mr Bhattacharya said his party would consider an alliance with the CPI and CPI(M) if they do not have an alliance with the Congress.

UNI