New Delhi: The Left parties on Thursday threatened to launch a nationwide protest against the government's decision to hike the prices of petroleum products. The decision was taken by the four Left parties at a meeting in New Delhi, CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat said.
While spontaneous protests like demonstrations would be held immediately after an announcement on the hike, the date of a nationwide action including a general strike would be "mutually agreed upon" with the other parties, Karat said.
"If the government announces a hike in the prices of petrol and diesel, which is likely next week, then the Left parties and other organisations will come out spontaneously to oppose the move," Karat said.
"We will contact other political parties and give a joint call for a nationwide protest action including a general strike," he added.
Karat said the Left has made out "a strong and effective case" against such increases and suggested a review of the taxation of petroleum products, including reducing customs and excise duties.
He made it clear that the Left was not for a "negotiated hike" in petro prices and were totally against any rise as it would have a multiplier effect on the prices of essential commodities that were already high.
The Left parties, the CPI(M) leader said, also decided to prepare a comprehensive note on the two-year performance of the UPA government and submit it to the Left-UPA Coordination Committee for discussion.
The note would spell out the areas of concern, the areas of differences between the ruling coalition and the outside supporters and the issues which the government should immediately take up.
Besides economic issues like rise in prices of essential commodities, disinvestment and airport privatisation, the note would also deal with foreign policy issues.
Non-implementation of "pro-people" commitments in the Common Minimum Programme like women's reservation bill or the legislation on unorganised workers and agricultural labourers would also find a place in the note.
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