Chandra Shekhar attacks BJP's economic policies

Chandra Shekhar attacks BJP's economic policies
PRESS TRUST OF INDIA

ALLAHABAD, OCT 15: Former Prime Minister Chandra Shekhar Oon Sunday made a scathing attack on the economic policies pursued by the BJP-led coalition and called for a united struggle against the measures which have left the people at the "mercy" of the multinationals.

"We are facing a grim situation. The state ... is abdicating its responsibility. Now the people are being left to their fate and to the mercy of the exploitative market forces, MNCs and transnationals," Shekhar said delivering the presidential address at a special convention of the Samajwadi Janata Party (Rashtriya) here.

Stating that his party was keeping its option open for alliance against the BJP, he said it was also ready to face the "challenge" alone.

"SJP (Rashtriya) will cooperate with anyone and everyone without any prejudice, this is our conscious decision. But our resolve is to even face this challenge single handedly," he said.

Accusing the government of attempting to "dismantle barriers" to allow foreign companies to seize commanding heights of the country's economy, he also blamed the Vajpayee government for not giving a fair deal to farmers.

"While the developed countries like USA are giving subsidies to their farmers, our government is reducing subsidies on fertilizers, electricity and irigation water".

Making a veiled attack on BJP, he said history was replete with instances of "doom" for the collaborators of forces of world domination.