January 5, 2006

Press Statement

The Polit Bureau of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) has issued the following statement:

The reported statement of the Uttaranchal Chief Minister Shri N.D. Tiwari that the issues raised about adulteration of medicines in a pharmacy in his state is a personal one between Shri Ramdevji and Brinda Karat is extremely surprising and unfortunate.

There are two issues involved in the matter. The first is the violation of labour laws in the pharmacy owned by Shri Ramdev. 110 workers have been illegally dismissed after they protested for not being paid the minimum wage and overtime. The second is the testing of the samples of two medicines from his pharmacy by the health ministry which has confirmed the presence of animal matter whereas they are labeled as herbal medicines.

To divert attention from these issues, wild and also personalized allegations are being made. There is no question of any opposition to yoga, ayurveda or any other indigenous medicines. However, these medicines are to be dispensed with utmost transparency according to official regulations and if there is any violation it must be checked and suitable measures taken against wrong doings. A proper investigation is called for.

The N.D. Tiwari government should also immediately ensure reinstatement of the workers dismissed.