launching a scathing attack on the Centre, Communist Party of India (Marxist) politburo member and former parliamentarian Subhashini Ali has alleged that the Union Budget which has been touted as farmer-friendly would hurt peasants.
While talking to media persons here on Saturday, Ali said, “In fact, the Budget contains an attack on agriculturists by curtailing farm subsidy. New liberal policies discourage procurement of agricultural produce by government and encourage private competition in buying,
She pointed out that private buyers initially pay good price but, once a contract is entered, employ their full might to ensure that purchase is done at lowest possible price. The previous Congress-led United Progressive Alliance Government was moving in the same direction. However, the current Bharatiya Janata Party-led dispensation has accelerated the pace.
Hitting out at the state government for allegedly trying to crush dissent before it is organised, the CPM politburo member claimed the Gwalior district administration has issued a peforma to be filled before organising a protest.
“The performa requires that the organisation holding protest inform the administration beforehand about the number of people supposed to take part in an agitation, slogans to be raised, the number of volunteers. Action is stipulated if the number is less or more,” she said. Charging that law and order situation in Madhya Pradesh is deteriorating, the former MP alleged that mining mafia enjoyed protection from the regime. Recent murder of a forest constable in Gwalior by mining mafia and attempt to kill a sub-divisional magistrate in Burhanpur bore testimony to the fact. Besides, atrocities against dalits, tribals and women are on the rise.
She said the CPM's state committee would observe April 14 as Ambedkar Diwas at several places in Madhya Pradesh to protest against anti-public activities. Special emphasis would be laid on the factors that forced Hyderabad University's dalit scholar Rohit Vemula to commit suicide. Besides, a rally would be taken out over the problems of dalits and tribals in the State capital in September.