BALCO: all-India strike planned

By Our Staff Correspondent

RAIPUR, APRIL 19. The strike by the workers of the Bharat Aluminium Corporation Limited (BALCO) is all set to become a nation-wide struggle with trade unions across the country planning an all-India strike.

This was indicated by the CPM leader, Mr. Sitaram Yechuri, while speaking to reporters during a brief halt at Raipur on way to Korba.

Mr. Yechuri said the struggle ``is not confined to BALCO alone but to the disinvestment policy as such.'' His sentiments were shared by the Chief Minister, Mr.Ajit Jogi, who said the stand taken by the Congress was now being supported by the CPM and the Rashtriya Swayamsewak Sangh (RSS) as was evident by the senior RSS leader, Mr. Thengadi's speech in New Delhi earlier this week. Since the Centre is not willing to accept any of the three options given to it which would reverse the deal, it is clear that officially or unofficially money has changed hands, he alleged.

Mr Jogi and Mr. Yechuri met here this afternoon and discussed the BALCO issue.

Mr. Yechuri said he had come with a token amount of Rs.50,000 for the BALCO workers and would address the workers in the evening. However, all-India collection has started and the LIC trade union has already collected Rs.80 lakhs and bank union, Rs.50 lakhs, he said.

He felt the BALCO issue would have its effect on the outcome of the forthcoming elections in the five States.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Other States
Previous : Mahanta files nomination
Next     : Chattisgarh House proceedings stalled