Scrap SEZ policy: Sharad Yadav tells Centre

Jabalpur, June 28 (UNI) JD(U) President Sharad Yadav today demanded that the Centre scrap its SEZ policy.

''The healthy rate of development is a result of earlier policies. The UPA regime's new economic policy will benefit capitalists alone and lead to a spurt in unemployment. Major industrialists and MNCs want to seize fertile land in Delhi, Punjab, Haryana and eastern Uttar Pradesh under the garb of setting up SEZs,'' he told ediapersons here today.

Pointing out that these four states fulfilled 82 per cent of the country's wheat demand and 55 per cent paddy demand, Mr Yadav added that the new agricultural policy was endangering the country's self-sufficiency in foodgrain.

''Erroneous decisions vis-a-vis agriculture and lack of adequate support price is forcing farmers to commit suicide,'' he alleged while saying that industrial houses foraying into the retail sector would endanger the livelihood of the poor segment,'' he felt.

Referring to the recent Uttar Pradesh poll, Mr Yadav claimed that the state's public rejected the NDA. ''My party performed rather weakly but will endeavour to re-establish itself in Uttar Pradesh,'' he added.

Trashing an allegation that he was against women's reservation, Mr Yadav pointed out that he was in favour of further debate over the issue.

UNI