CPI(M) urges people to join protest on June 13

Hyderabad, June 10 : Expressing concern over the increase in prices of essential commodities in the country due to fuel price hike, the CPI(M) Central Committee today urged all sections of people to join the all India protest on June 13.

Stressing on joining hands with other parties for joint campaigns and movements against the UPA government, CPI(M)General Secretary Prakash Karat said the Central Committee was of the firm view that only such joint platforms will have a common understanding on policies and programmes that would ensure a third alternative.

On whether joining hands with the TDP for June 13 protest meant a political realignment in the state in the future, he said ''let there be political realignment at the national level first and then follows Andhra Pradesh.'' Pointing out that the duty on petrol was 57 per cent and on diesel 36 per cent, he dubbed the Centre's call to the states to forgo sales tax on fuel as a ''diversionary move''.

''First let the Centre, which increased the prices of petroleum products, rationalise the tax structure. Then the Finance Ministers of all states can sit and decide on reducing sales tax''.

Upset with improper implementation of the Rural Employment Guaratee scheme in many of the 200 selected districts, the Central Committee felt that the party and the mass organisations should mobilise the people in these areas to ensure that the scheme was properly implemented.

UNI