BJP defends cut in subsidies

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, APRIL 28. The BJP today once again strongly defended the Government's decision to cut food and fertilizer subsidies. At a press conference, the party spokesperson, Mr. M. Venkaiah Naidu, showed statistics to prove his point. However, party MPs and allies remain convinced the Government will have to show ``some political sensitivity'' on the issue.

Otherwise, the BJP fears the Opposition and its allies will get the credit for taking up cudgels on behalf of the poorest sections of the people, while the party will be left to deal with the political fallout.

Mr. Naidu said despite the recent hikes in prices the total subsidy bill this year would swell to over Rs. 40,000 crores against Rs. 28,000 crores last year. In fact, the total subsidies on foodgrains, fertilizers and petroleum products would increase due to the increase in consumption.

He said the party's teams to the drought-affected regions in Gujarat and Rajasthan would assess the ground situation, take a look at the relief work, and talk to the people about their problems. They will meet administration officials as well as their own local party units to take an overall view. The teams will submit reports at the parliamentary party meeting on May 2 so that the party in turn can apprise the Government. In fact, the parliamentary party meeting is normally chaired by the Prime Minister, and in his absence, the Union Home Minister, Mr L. K. Advani.

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Section  : National
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