CPI-M assures review of 123 Agreement

New Delhi, Mar 16 (ANI): The Communist Party of India (Marxist) has emphasised on the review and re-working of the 123 Agreement with the US for civil nuclear cooperation in its election manifesto released today.

The CPI-M, which had supported the Left parties in withdrawing support to the UPA Government in July last year on the issue of Indo-US nuclear deal, criticised the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for their economic and foreign policies.

Releasing the party manifesto, CPI-M General Secretary Prakash Karat urged people to vote for the non-Congress, non-BJP parties for an alternative secular government at the Centre. He revealed that apart from the nine parties, others would also join the Third Front after the elections.

The manifesto also accused the Congress for its failure to control price rise and keep a check on people's rights and protection on the global economic crisis.

"Manmohan Singh Government adopted policies which were nakedly pro-rich. They refused to impose increased wealth tax or take steps to mop up black money. They were consciously working towards enriching the already rich," said Karat.

Enacting the women's reservation bill to ensure one-third reservation for women in the legislatures, extension of Employment Guarantee Scheme to Urban areas, a comprehensive laws against communal violence, implementation of the Justice Sri Krishna Commission report were some other features of the manifesto.

Further, the CPI-M has called for government control in the financial sector and proposed a complete halt o the privatization of profitable state firms. It has also asked for a ban on foreign investment in the retail sector and guidelines to prevent the entry of foreign firms into Indian domestic market. (ANI)