CPI seeks Centre's intervention to end Truckers' stir

ERODE: CPI today sought the Centre's intervention to end the transporters strike which entered the fourth consecutive day.

Because of the strike by truckers, price of essential commodities has increased by 40 per cent in Tamil Nadu, CPI National Council Member D Pandian told reporters here.

On the Cauvery issue, he said due to failure of seasonal rains, agricultural operations were affected. Samba cultivation was not done during this year and the present Kuruvai crop cultivation required huge quantity of water.

"So the Union Government should intervene in this issue and form the Cauvery Management Board immediately and under the 'distress sharing system of water', sufficient water may be given to Tamil Nadu by Karnataka to save the standing crops," Pandiyan said.

He claimed that there was a shortfall in power generation by 2400 mw in the state and that at present 'undeclared power cut is imposed'.

Slamming the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre, he alleged that there was no development and no employment generation,though it was formed some 18 months ago.

State CPI Secretary R. Mutharasan said CPI would decide on alliance with other parties for next year's assembly polls at a meeting at Tiruvaroor tomorrow.