CPI slams UPA for scrapping PN 18

He said not only did the MNC sever its relation with the Indian company without any notice, it also sent orders that all the products that were duly purchased by retailers be destroyed.

Raja said this was a ‘‘very serious issue’’ as it was the first direct fallout of the government’s policy on economic liberalisation.

Sending a reminder to the government, the CPI leader said, ‘‘Earlier too the Left had lodged their strong protest over scrapping of PN 18.’’ However, at that time, he said, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh had told them that the scrapping of the order would not have retrospective effect, an assurance that seems to fallen flat in the light of Korean company’s experience.

Raja said the Left parties would discuss the issue with the government in the UPA-Left coordination committee meeting. The meeting, he said, was being ‘‘arranged very soon.’’