Thursday, January 27 2005 14:40 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bhopal: Accusing the Centre of failing to sincerely implement the Common Minimum Programme (CMP) adopted by the UPA (United Progressive Alliance), CPM (Communist Party of India Marxist) today (Jan 27, 2005) threatened to "move the masses if the Union Budget did not adhere to the agreed policies".

"We expect the Union Budget-2005 to adhere to policies of CMP. If this does not happen, we will launch a public agitation against it," CPI, polit-bureau member M K Pandhe said at a press conference in Bhopal.

"The Centre has not adopted a positive stand and not abided by the CMP, especially regarding Employment Guarantee Scheme, Privatisation and Bill for amendments in Patents Act. These would adversely affect the drug industry, health services and farmers," he alleged.

The party workers would stage a demonstration in front of the Parliament on February 26 against the proposals to amend the Patents Act and moves to privatise airports and telecommunication sector, Pandhe said, adding a meeting would be held in Delhi on February 12 to chalk out the programme.

The CPM Polit Bureau member said that around 158 district representatives of Madhya Pradesh were expected to participate in a three-day State-level meeting at Jabalpur from February 25.

The party would also prepare strategies to launch public protests against the policies of the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) Government in the State, deterioration in power, bad roads and Choupal system of allowing private companies to purchase food grains outside Government mandis (market places), among others, he said.