HYDERABAD: The Communist Party of India (CPI) said there was no question of the Left parties rocking the UPA Government though they were in an assertive position both within and outside Parliament following the latest Assembly election results.

The Government could rest assured of the party's outside support. However, it could never restrain the CPI from fighting for the people, CPI General Secretary A. B. Bardhan said here on Monday.

He said the Left parties wanted the UPA Government to take decisions on the basis of the Common Minimum Programme (CMP). However, the CMP was violated and unilateral decisions taken as in the case of India's changing foreign policy, he charged.

The CMP had favoured a non-aligned foreign policy and advocated improvement in relations with neighbours and the United States. "All that has changed now. Instead, we are totally engaged with the U.S. In framing our policies, we are only looking at whether the U.S. will be pleased or displeased," he said.

"Reduce customs duty"

Mr. Bardhan claimed that the Government was trying to benefit from the proposed oil price hike. The economics of the Government which sought to levy `ad valorem' higher customs and excise duties on oil whenever global prices rose was an unhealthy, unethical practice, he charged. The Left believed that the prices could be kept under check by substantially reducing the customs and excise duties.

"Protect tribals' rights"

The CPI leader also sought an amendment to the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme in the ongoing Parliament session to allow State Governments to fix the minimum wage. He also wanted a Bill to protect the forest rights of tribals and to incorporate the recommendations of a Parliamentary Standing Committee that would examine the issue thoroughly.

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