Top leaders of CPI(M), CPI, TDP, AIADMK, JD(S), RSP, RLD, Forward Bloc and INLD along with hundreds of supporters held a demonstration at Jantar Mantar as part of their week-long protest programme against price rise.
Addressing the gathering, CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat said the nine parties will raise the issue of price rise and corruption with full force. “These issues will be raised,” he said.
“The Prime Minister had said that price rise will be reined in by October last year. He then said prices will come down by December. It did not happen and then the Prime Minister is saying prices will come down by this March.
“The government has no plans to contain price rise. The government is coming up with an argument that the rise in prices is due to their providing higher prices for farmers. Only big companies are being benefited,” Mr. Karat said, demanding a ban on futures trading and strengthening of PDS.
CPI general secretary A. B. Bardhan said Congress should now be ashamed of using the slogan, “Congress ka haath, aam aadmi ke saath” (Congress is with common man). “Now Congress’ ‘hand’ is with price rise, looters and corrupt people,” he said.
JD(S) chief H. D. Deve Gowda said there was a need for overthrowing the government which has “failed” to bring price rise under control. “They have miserably failed to address the issue of corruption,” he said.