Left leaders chalk out the budget agenda

NEW DELHI: Even as finance minister P Chidambaram is grappling with his budget proposals, the Left parties began flexing their muscles to wangle maximum concessions from him. The Left leaders met on Monday to discuss the shape and direction of their “ideal” budget. They will call on Chidambram this weekend and submit a note on their demands and suggestions on preparing the budget.

Vying with Congress president Sonia Gandhi in espousing the cause of aam admi, and to set its own agenda, the Left parties will demand substantial increase in investment in social sector with a thrust on SC/ST and minority development and withdrawal of all tax exemptions to corporate houses. They have identified five broad areas for special care and increased outlay. Agriculture tops the list followed by steps to arrest spiraling price rise, unemployment, more allocation for health and education.

The Left meeting was attended by CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat, his CPI counterpart AB Bardhan, and others.

Emphasising that agriculture should be accorded topmost priority followed by social sector, Bardhan  said another round of confabulation will be held to work out concrete proposals…. “What we want from the government.” As many as 27 areas needing the special attention of the finance minister were discussed.