Is the Left Front finally disintegrating? After the CPI’s scathing remarks, it was the turn of the CPI(M) on Saturday to lash out at its partner.
Cracks have also appeared between the CPI(M) and the CPI over the Telangana issue. While the CPI is in favour of creation of Telangana, the CPI(M) opposed the move. The draft political resolution, to be adopted at the CPI(M)’s party congress in March, stated that the opposing views on Telangana “has created difficulties between the two Left parties in Andhra Pradesh”.
The CPI(M) also admitted that the “electoral reverses and the fact that the party has made no substantial advance in any other state have weakened the position of the party and the Left at the national level.”
Reacting to the CPI’s latest salvo that the Left Front in West Bengal lost power due to the unilateralism and non-democratic functioning of the CPI(M)-led front, CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat said, “For 34 years there was a Left Front government and the main constituent, the CPI(M), must have had some contribution. It must be seen in that perspective.”
Taking a dig at the CPI, Mr Karat pointed out that its Left partner’s observation came only after the Left Front lost in the elections.
“We are prepared to take the blame but it has to be balanced. If there are differences, we can discuss them in a constructive and fraternal manner so that it does not weaken the Left Front,” he said.
Mr Karat also said the “central focus” now would be on strengthening the party and stepping up its independent role and activities.
He said the fact that the CPI(M) was contesting the Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab independently pointed towards this political understanding the party has adopted.
However, despite differences, Mr Karat, who sensed the dwindling future of his outfit also called for a Left unity.