CPI(M) call for state-wide protest on govt policies

Bangalore, Jul 29 (UNI) The CPI(M) today called for a one-day statewide protest against the policies of the BJP government in Karnataka even as it demanded dismissal of four ministers with alleged criminal background.

Talking to reporters here, Secretariat Member Maruthi Manpade said ten ministers in the Yeddyurappa government had criminal cases against them. Charge Sheets have been filed in respect of eight of them.

''Mr Krishnaiah Shetty, Mr D Sudhakar, Mr Murugesh Nirani and Mr Sriramulu are prominent among them. We demand the Chief Minister to sack these four ministers immediately,'' he said.

He charged Mr Shetty and Mr Sudhakar with ''running fictitious housing societies,'' while alleging Industry Minister Nirani was ''involved in power theft to the tune of Rs 2.15 crore.'' Mr Sriramulu had ''tried to burn down'' the house of Congress Rajya Sabha Member Anil Lad, he alleged.

The CPI(M) also demanded immediate withdrawal of load-shedding as the state government was dutybound to supply sufficient electricity to the people.

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