PM must not talk EPF outside: BJP

Criticising PM Manmohan Singh for his statement in the media that the Government was considering the demand for an increase in the EPF interest rate, the BJP today demanded that he come to the Lok Sabha to clarify it.

BJP Deputy Leader in the Lok Sabha Vijay Kumar Malhotra, who raised the issue after Question Hour, said every TV channel and newspaper had carried reports quoting CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta having stated that the PM had told a trade union delegation the EPF interest rate would be hiked. He said, ‘‘This is an important issue. He should not have spoken about it outside when Parliament is in session.’’

Leader of the House Pranab Mukherjee promptly got up to say when a decision was taken, it would be announced. Dasgupta wanted to join issue with Malhotra, but the Speaker did not allow him. Taking a dig at the Left, Malhotra said: ‘‘Outside, they show red flags and inside, they wave green flags.’’