The Hindu Business Line : Anti-reform drive to be CPI(M) poll plank in AP

THE Communist Part of India (Marxist) has vowed to "expose" the economic reforms being pursued by the State Government, which would be the party's main agenda for the forthcoming elections to the AP State Assembly.

"We have decided to bring all the Opposition parties on one platform to articulate the ill-effects of reforms and make the Government answer our questions," said Mr B.V. Raghavulu, Secretary of CPI (M)'s State unit.

Mr Raghavulu told the Business Line that the State Government did not want to talk about these issues. "Moreover, it is making every effort to divert the attention of the people by raking up issues like Naxalism," he said.

"The State has witnessed regression on all fronts. The mammoth Rs 57,000-crore loans taken by the Government from different quarters has further widened the gap between the rich and poor. The rich has become `super rich' and the poor `super poor'," the CPI (M) leader said.

Referring to the `Progress report' submitted by the Chief Minister, he said there was no progress at all. "Instead, there is regression of economy, but for a couple of aspects. "Those two aspects are about the progress of the rich," he quipped. "We will bring about a comprehensive book to disprove the Government claims."

Asked about his party's strategy for the ensuing elections, he said the main aim would be defeat the TDP-BJP combine "not only in the State. But also at the national level."

To achieve this aim, the party has resolved to put up a strong fight by working for unity among all the Opposition parties. "The approach should be clear. The Opposition parties should contest only in the seats where they are confident of defeating the TDP-BJP alliance. Showing sagacity, they should make way for candidates from the friendly parties who can win the poll," he said.

According to Mr Raghavulu, the CPI (M) was not ready for seat adjustments as there were fundamental differences among the Opposition parties on several important issues. "By and large, the Opposition is a disintegrated lot. What we say is, we should strive for avoiding split of anti-establishment vote."

The party, which contested in 48 seats last time, won two seats, while standing second in four seats. On naxalism and the attitude of the State Government, Mr Raghavulu said, "We believe that the issue of Naxalism could be solved only through talks and not by making efforts to suppress it."

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Anti-reform drive to be CPI(M) poll plank in AP

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