The CPI (M) on Monday demanded that government rescind its decision to divest 10 per cent stake in state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. The party Politburo said in a statement in New Delhi that the CPI(M) demands the reversal of the HAL divestment, which could well be a precursor to deeper inroads by Indian corporates or even foreign defence majors at a later time.

It also sought a roll back of the policy of privatisation and opening up the defence industry to foreign participation. It said such measures would lead to dismantling of India's hard-won technological self-reliance besides endangering national security.