Date:07/06/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/06/07/stories/2008060754571000.htm

National

UNPA for windfall tax on oil firms

Special Correspondent

It will evolve joint strategy with Left

Amar Singh

NEW DELHI: The United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA) on Friday echoed the Communist Party of India (Marxist) demand for a windfall tax on profits earned by private oil companies from refining and exploration. Protesting against the fuel hike, UNPA spokesman Amar Singh specifically named companies such as Reliance Petroleum and Essar Oil, while calling for a windfall tax on such corporates.

Briefing journalists, Mr. Singh said the UNPA and the Left parties would evolve a joint strategy against the government’s policies that was resulting in back-breaking inflation.

As for the meeting between Samajwadi Party president Mulayam Singh and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati in Lucknow on Friday, Mr. Singh said it was an “apolitical and constitutionally required meeting.”

According to the Samajwadi Party general secretary, Ms. Mayawati had convened the meeting to constitute the Human Rights Commission of the State. Since the law mandates that the Leader of the Opposition be consulted, she invited Mr. Mulayam Singh and he accepted the invitation in the true spirit of democracy.