CPI to launch movement against Coca Cola, Pepsi

Chennai, Aug 7: The Tamil Nadu unit of the Communist Party of India (CPI) will launch a movement in the state against Coca Cola and Pepsi, which were alleged to be having high pesticide content by Centre for Science and Environment.

State Secretary T Pandiyan told reporters here the CPI would mobilise support from other parties and like-minded organisations.

Referring to the unrest in Sri Lanka, Mr Pandiyan suggested that Tamil organisations, including the LTTE, should come forward to submit an alternative plan to solve the ethinic issue.

He suggested that all parties representing Tamils in Sri Lanka should collectively come forward with an alternative proposal to bring peace in the region. Even if the LTTE did not take the initiative, other parties should come forward, he added.

As far as the CPI was concerned, a solution extending powers to Tamils should be found within the framework of a united Sri Lanka.

Replying to a question, he said the Centre should ask the Cauvery Water Disputes Tribunal to expedite its report and ensure that Karnataka strictly implemented the interim decision.

He wanted the Kerala Government to implement the verdict of the Supreme Court, which allowed raising of the Mullaperiyar Dam's height from 136 feet to 142 feet. 'If the Kerala Government had any problem, it should discuss it with Tamil Nadu to finalise a quick and amicable solution', he added.

Welcoming the government's decision to give exgratia of Rs 50,000 each to families of 22 farmers, who allegedly died of starvation during AIADMK rule, he said former Chief Minister Jayalalitha's attitude was 'regrettable'.

It might be recalled that Chief Minister M Karunanidhi had announced on August 3, ex gratia to families of farmers who committed suicide or died due to debt because of severe famine in 2001, 2002 and 2003. Ms Jayalalitha had said though she had no objection to the solatium, the charges of suicide by farmers made by CPI Legislature party leader V Sivapunniyam were far from the truth.

Denying this, Mr Pandian said the CPI had brought the situation to the notice of Ms Jayalalitha, but it had been ignored.

He said when the present government was prepared to pay solatium, Miss Jayalalitha's reaction was regrettable and alleged that she was not conducting herself properly as a opposition leader.

Referring to the IT sector, Mr Pandiyan said the state government should persuade some companies to set up branches in places like Coimbatore, Salem, Tiruchirapalli and Madurai.

UNI