New Delhi: Seeking a rollback of the decision to increase fuel prices, CPM (Communist Party of India-Marxist) today (Dec 3, 2004) made it clear that it would not allow the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government to fall if the Opposition BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) demanded a discussion on the issue in Parliament under a rule which entails voting.

"We want a special discussion on the matter under Rule 193. But if the BJP demands the discussion to be held under Rule 184 (which entails voting) and the Lok Sabha Speaker accepts it, we will not vote against the Government. We will not vote with the BJP, let me make it very clear," CPM leader Basudeb Acharia told reporters in New Delhi.

He said the CPM or other Left parties "will not pave the way for the fascist and communal forces to gain, but we will continue to pressurise the Government till our demand (for a rollback) is met".

Acharia said the erstwhile NDA (National Democratic Alliance) Government had "imposed a burden of over Rs 35,000 crore" on the people in terms of cess and duties on petro products.

He said the hike in diesel prices had led to an increase of 7.5 per cent in the freight charges, which has had a multiplier effect by raising the prices of steel, fertiliser, iron ore and construction materials.

The CPM leader asserted that there was "no justification" in keeping the petro product prices at a high level in the face of a decline in world crude prices.

"We cannot remain silent if the UPA Government follows the NDA regime and increases the burden on the people".