Communist Party of India (CPI) general secretary S. Sudhakar Reddy has expressed concern over the government’s move to allow foreign direct investment (FDI) in the broadcasting sector.
Mr. Reddy said the move would spell doom for small media organisations resulting in their closure. According to him, FDI in print media had stifled the voice and struggle of the working classes and foreign investment in broadcast media would enable multinationals to mould public opinion in their favour.
Inaugurating the party’s State executive meeting here on Saturday, he said the Left parties had decided to mount pressure on the Centre to enact the Food Security Bill and would meet on November 12 to finalise the course of action to be adopted. It was, in principle, agreed to launch a signature campaign from the grassroots in support of the demand which would be submitted to Parliament subsequently.
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He criticised the United Progressive Alliance government for its “indiscriminate decisions” in the name of second-generation reforms burdening the common man. He accused Prime Minister Manmohan Singh of hastening the reform process, under pressure from the United States and the European Union.The CPI was opposed to the decision to allow FDI in multi-brand retail and would continue its struggle against the “Congress’ betrayal of the nation,” by educating people on the ill-effects of the government’s decision.