CPI(M) countrywide agitation from Feb 1

Bhopal, Jan 28 (UNI) The Communist Party of India(Marxist) will launch an eight-day countrywide agitation, from February 1, against the Centre's ''anti-people'' policies, inflation and other issues.

''Rallies and meetings will be organised,'' CPI(M) Politburo Member M K Pandhe told reporters here today. He is here to attend a two-day meeting, of the party's state committee, that got underway here yesterday.

Accusing the Centre of turning a Nelson's eye on the Common Minimum Programme, he added that prices of essentials were rising unchecked as a direct consequence of encouraging the foodgrain and bullion trade.

''Fuel prices are also on the upward spiral. Finances from the pension fund were invested in the share market and the interest rate reduced on the provident fund. The United Progressive Alliance regime should learn a lesson from the Argentine government and not pump pension fund money into the share market,'' Comrade Pandhe felt.

Opposing a proposal to set up more than 200 special economic zones in the country, he added that the it would lead to real estate scams amounting to crores.

''If such zones are to be established, federal laws should be amended in line with the provisions introduced by West Bengal in the context of Singur. The affected people must receive maximum compensation,'' Mr Pandhe said.

Expressing concern over ''increasing'' communalism in Madhya Pradesh, he alleged that communal violence was spurting due to the state government's pro-Hindu agenda.

Other CPI(M) demands included strengthening of the Public Distribution System and implementing the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in 200 more districts.

UNI