Scams have prevented growth: Sitharam Yechury

People should elect the AIADMK-led front resoundingly not only to wipe out corruption but also bring a desirable change at the Centre by sending corrupt partners DMK and the Congress home and gear up economic growth and development, said CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury.

He was campaigning for AIADMK candidate R Viswanathan in Natham and CPI (M) candidate K. Balabarathi in Dindigul here on Sunday.

“Despite massive human and natural resources, we could not achieve what we desire and bring a change owing to unprecedented corruption,” he said.

Briefing on the impact of 2G spectrum scam, Mr Yechuri said the Central Government did not have Rs.80,000 crore for providing 35 kg rice to all people below and above poverty line and Rs.35,000 crore a year to provide quality education to all children aged between 5 and 14 years. If the 2G spectrum loot was prevented, all children would have got quality education by now and more schools could be constructed. “We could eliminate hunger from the country.”

“We have sufficient funds. But scams and looters prevented our growth and development. So throwing the DMK out of power was one way to stop mega corruption to make our nation powerful and strong,” he insisted.

They (Congress) made money in sports, communication and arms purchases. But I have learnt that the DMK was perfect even in making money in sand and stone.

They amassed wealth by destroying natural resources, he said.

Stating that petrol prices were increased seven times and gas price four times, Mr Sitaram said that sharp price rice of essential commodities owing to speculative and futures trading pushed four crore people to below poverty line.

At present, nine per cent of total youth who got higher education in the country has made a big change in global man power. If we take higher education to 25 per cent of youth, India would become the leader.

But massive corruption prevented India from becoming leader in the world, he said. “The country has more potential and power to achieve. We can achieve only by defeating DMK in this election. Establishing a good government led by AIADMK is important to achieve what we can and what we are capable of. Such a change will be a catalyst,” he said.

Mr. Yechuri also thanked Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi for giving colour televisions to people. With that, people could understand about 2G Spectrum.

(Courtesy : The Hindu)