Left is not against reforms, but implement CMP: Yechuri

New Delhi, Nov 17: Differerences notwithstanding, the Left and the government are for reforms for sustained growth and this was reaffirmed by both CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechuri and Commerce and Industry Minister Kamal Nath while sharing their views during the Hindustan Times Leadership Summit here today.

"Left is not against any type of reforms . We must reform the reforming process. We are more concerned about the contents in the reforms", the CPI(M) leader said, adding " Reforms are here to stay and are inevitable." Commenting on criticism that the Left is always opposed to any kind of reforms, Mr Yechuri said " What the Left is telling is to implement the Common Minimum programme. But if you want to implement something else, then there should be a consensus".

When he was reminded that the private sector is pleading with the government for greater reforms, Mr Yechuri said " But the government is not pleading with the Left".

Observing that the Left is not controlling the government., Mr Yechuri said "Of course, it is a Left hand drive. More so, the handbrake is also on left." Mr Yechuri said 54 per cent of India's population is below 25 years. He said the youth should be provided with employment and skill to earn job. Also, the focus has to be shifted from Corporate culture to common man.

Mr Yechuri disagreed with Mr Kamal Nath on attracting investment, saying it should be from within the country by mobilising internal resources. Citing China, he said public infrastructure is built by State. For this, the Govenrment has to mobilise internal resources.

Joining the issue, BJP leader Arun Jaitley said a large part of India is reforming but the government is not reforming. Despite all road blocks, reforms must go on, he said.

Both Mr Kamal Nath and Mr Jaitley agreed that the Doha Round of talks would remain deadlocked unless the developed countries were willing to shift their policy.

UNI