Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Sitaram Yechury has called for strengthening the unity of Left forces to counter the hardships caused by communal polarisation practised by rightwing forces and demonetisation. However, he remained silent on the possibility of forming a common platform of Opposition parties against the policies of the Centre.
Inaugurating a public rally at the Putharikandam ground on Saturday in connection with the party’s ongoing Central committee meeting, Mr. Yechury alleged that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government had failed to rein in black money through demonetisation. The exercise has resulted in both black money and counterfeit money being made legal.
“Demonetisation has caused much hardship for the public. Around 4 lakh daily-wage earners in various sectors have been left jobless. Farmers in certain States were being forced to sell their produce at half the support prices with the Food Corporation of India unable to purchase the crop,” he said.
The Narendra Modi-led government has refused to write off farmers’ loans while waiving around ₹1.12 lakh crore taken by corporate companies as loans from banks. The companies have refused to pay back loans amounting to near ₹11 lakh crore.
Plight of PDS
Polit Bureau member Prakash Karat said attempts were being made to dismantle the public distribution system in Kerala. By implementing the Food Security Act, the coverage of those benefiting from the rationing system would be brought down to 47 per cent in the State.
Agitations being organised by the United Democratic Front (UDF) against the State government must be directed at the NDA government.
