People's Democracy

Left Parties to Hold Indefinite

Protest Action on Food Security

The Left parties, the Communist Party of India (Marxist), Communist Party of India, All India Forward Bloc and the Revolutionary Socialist Party held a meeting on April 4. It was attended by the four general secretaries of the Left parties – Prakash Karat, Sudhakar Reddy, Debabrata Biswas, T J Chandrachoodan, besides, A B Bardhan, Sitaram Yechury, S Ramachandran Pillai and D Raja. They have issued the following statement:

THE Left parties discussed about the proposed food security legislation being brought in parliament. The Left parties have been campaigning for a comprehensive and effective food security law and the provision of a universal public distribution system for all, excluding only the better off sections.

The Left parties decided to conduct a countrywide movement on this issue culminating in an indefinite protest action in New Delhi during the Monsoon Session of parliament. The next meeting of the Left parties will work out the specific programme.

The Left parties held a preliminary discussion on the forthcoming presidential election. It would be better if there is a wide agreement on a candidate for the post of president. The Left parties decided to consult with other secular opposition parties before taking a final stand in the matter.