Brinda attacks UPA, terms it an 'anti-people' government

CHANDIGARH: In a scathing attack on the UPA, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat today alleged that the economic policies of the Congress-led government are only benefiting multinational firms and big corporate houses.

Addressing a rally here, Brinda termed the UPA an "anti-people" government, and criticised it for "failing" to handle issues related to the common man.

"The anti-people policies of the UPA government are widening the gap between the poor and the rich rapidly," she said, noting that while incomes of the rich have gone up in leaps and bounds, the middle and lower income groups are struggling to avail even the basic requirements.

"It is shameful that even after 66 years of independence, 57 per cent families do not have access to drinking water, 53 per cent have no toilets and 39 per cent do not have kitchens," she said.

"The largest number of people suffering from malnutrition live in our country while over 6.67 crore tones foodgrains is rotting in godowns. As many as 2.55 lakh farmers have been compelled to commit suicides," Brinda said.

The economy is facing the double whammy of rise in costs of heads like education, drinking water, health and power, along with big scams as a result of the neo-liberal economic policies of the government, she said.

Brinda said the ongoing Sangharsh Yatra will expose the wrong policies of UPA government, besides highlighting the basic demands of people.