Left parties in UP protest against Obama visit

Lucknow, Jan 24 (IANS) Workers and supporters of Left parties - CPI (ML), CPI (MP), CPI, Forward Bloc and SUCI (C) - held protest marches and demonstrations across the state against the visit of US president Barack Obama to India.

Shouting slogans like 'Obama Go Back' they organised a procession from Parivartan Chowk to GPO in the state capital.

At a meeting thereafter they criticized the decision of Prime Minister Modi to invite the US president on the Indian Republic Day, terming it an assault on all democratic values.

"Head of a country which is responsible of crushing democratic values, as a chief guest on Indian Republic Day is most unfortunate" said Arun Kumar, state office secretary of CPI-ML.

A march was also taken out in Allahabad under the leadership of CPI-ML state secretary Ramji Rai where protesters raised slogans against the visiting US president. Similar protests were also held in Ghazipur, Deoria, Bhadohi and Sonebhadra.