Nagapattinam: CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat Wednesday slammed the UPA Government for its "neo-liberal" economic policies, unprecedented price rise and rampant corruption in all spheres of public life.
Addressing the party's 20th state conference here, he said the UPA government's rule at the Centre has been marked by record corruption and unprecedented rise in price of essential commodities.
"The neo-liberal economic policies have brought misery to farmers and the poor, he said and charged the UPA government with surrendering to US imperialism, which the Left parties are duty bound to prevent.
He also took a dig at BJP, stating that the saffron party was no different from Congress. "BJP governments in various states are notorious for corruption. When NDA was in power at the Centre, they also followed neo-liberal policies," he said.
Karat claimed CPI(M) is the only party with a corruption-free record. "To protect people from economic hurdles, we need to strengthen our party," he said.
On the recent economic crisis in Europe and other regions, Karat said the crisis had occurred due to these policies. "People have started fighting against imperialism. Socialism will always win," he said.
Karat said CPI(M) would extend support to the nationwide strike called by trade unions on February 28 against the UPA government's polices.
On the electoral setbacks suffered by CPI(M) in West Bengal and Kerala, he said the party had recovered from it and was moving forward to fight for the cause of the workers.
Senior party leaders R Umanath, Brinda Karat and Varadharajan were among those who spoke.
The four-day conference will conclude on February 25, when a public meeting and rally will be held.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, February 22, 2012, 23:14