Congmen oppose hike in prices of PDS items

DHARAMSALA, Jan 31: Reacting sharply to the recent increase in prices of items being sold under the Public Distribution System, Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary G.S. Bali has said that the business lobby has taken its "pound of flesh" for its role in installing the Vajpayee government at the Centre.

Criticising the Central government for its failure on all fronts, Bali said, "This is neither a stable government nor an able government."He said the Congress planned to observe a "black day" in protest and nobody could expect a tax-free budget. Bali also expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the country and the attacks on minorities. At the same time, he lauded the "boldness" of Mamata Banerjee and Chandrababu Naidu for seeking the resignation of the Vajpayee government.

Shimla: The Indian National Trade Union Congress (INTUC) has threatened to launch a nation-wide agitation against the recent hike in public distribution system items and urea.

Terming the hike anti-poor and anti-workers, state president of INTUC Kanta Sood, urged the Central Government to withdraw the hike immediately or face the agitation. She also urged workers to mobilise masses against the hike.