CPI to launch stir against graft

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: CPI will launch a national agitation against corruption, black money and price rise. Around 3 lakh CPI workers across the country and their leaders will observe a  fast on October 21 and 22 as part of the  nation-wide agitation.Another issue to be highlighted in the agitation is to demand passing the Lokpal Bill in the winter session of Parliament.CPI state secretary C K Chandrappan told a news conference on Tuesday that around 25,000 party workers and party leaders would participate in the fast starting at 10 a m on October 21. He said the 21st party Congress would finalise the national agitation to be launched in the coming days. CPI general secretary A B Bardhan would observe fast at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.In Kerala, the fast will be staged at 35 centres in 14 districts.  The 24-hour fast will be held at specially erected-pavilions. Public meetings will be held on October 22. Social and cultural leaders will address the leaders and workers on fast. Chandrappan said that Parliament and Assemblies have come under the pernicious influence of money power and mafia gangs.  Several MPs, and even ministers have landed in jail following their involvement in corruption.  While BJP leader L K Advani undertakes his countrywide rath yathra against corruption, party leader and former Karnataka Chief Minister Yeddyurappa had been jailed in connection with a land scam.He alleged that multinational companies  and NGOs were influencing the governments. ‘Opposition Stand Proved Correct’C Divakaran, legislature  party leader of the CPI, said that the stand of the Opposition with regard to the happenings in the Assemby had been proved to be true. ‘’We have been saying that the Opposition MLAs had not attacked the woman Watch and Ward. The video footage released to the media has proved this,’’ he said.He pointed out that in spite of all the controversies the government has not yet initiated action against the Assistant Commissioner of Police Radhakrishna Pillai who fired on students.He alleged that KPCC president Ramesh Chennithala and  Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had conspired to suspend the two MLAs.