BJP calls meeting of its CMs on July 10

By Neena Vyas

NEW DELHI, JULY 4. Worried about the political impact of the economic slowdown - with two State Assembly elections ahead early next year - the Bharatiya Janata Party president, Mr. Jana Krishnamurthi, has called a meeting of the party's Chief Ministers in five States on July 10. The Finance Minister, Mr. Yashwant Sinha, is scheduled to attend the meeting.

Although the party has been denying that the mismatch between the demand and supply position in foodgrains - the farmers had to resort to distress sales with granaries overflowing and no buyer for their produce and those depending on the public distribution system had to pay higher prices for foodgrain, only marginally lower than the market prices, if at all - the fact is that the BJP is rather ill at ease with what has been happening.

Mr. Krishnamurthi decided to hear at first hand from the Chief Ministers what the ground situation was. And more importantly, what should be done to try and change the situation for the better. That explains why Mr. Sinha has been called.

Since this meeting will be held ahead of the party's national executive committee planned for three days from July 18 in Amritsar, it is expected that the party will be able to draw up a concrete plan which could be adopted at the executive committee meeting.

Another important issue worrying the party is the impact of free imports under WTO on agriculturists, small and medium industrialists and entrepreneurs and the dumping of cheap Chinese goods. The recent news that the overall growth rate last year was less than expected - just 5.2 per cent - and persistent reports of economic slowdown this year has added to the party's worries. For these issues, even if not highlighted by parties, would create a general discontent which could affect the party's popularity and poll prospects.

The Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Uttaranchal and Jharkhand are expected to attend, and they have already been briefed about what the agenda of the meeting will be.

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Section  : National
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