Tens of thousands of trade unionists marched through the capital yesterday in protest at high food prices and corruption.

At least 40,000 people took part, according to Delhi police, though organisers put the number at about 100,000. Marchers came from trade unions linked both with the opposition Communist Party and with the governing Congress Party.

Many carried red Communist flags showing a hammer and sickle as they made their way down streets decorated in Communist Party posters.