After giving a call for a third platform, the CPI(M) has decided to launch parleys to forge alliances or seat adjustments with non-Congress secular parties in the run-up to the upcoming Lok Sabha and state Assembly elections.
“We have had a very detailed discussion on the political situation and preparations for the Lok Sabha polls in various states. We have identified certain states where we can have electoral understanding with non-Congress secular parties,” party general secretary Prakash Karat told a press conference at the conclusion of a meeting of the CPI(M) Central Committee.
As the CPI(M) is gearing to hold talks with secular parties in states like Tamil Nadu, Orissa and Assam, Mr Karat said “it is no secret” that parties like AIADMK, BJD and Asom Gana Parishad have had “understanding with the Left parties in the past”.
“No discussions have been held with these parties as yet, but we will pursue (discussions) ... AIADMK has been consistently opposing the wrong policies of the UPA government and its electoral understanding with the Left is no secret,” Mr Karat said.
Mr Karat said that the central committee discussed the preparations for the Lok Sabha elections in the various states and heard reports of the preparations for the assembly elections due in Rajasthan, MP, Chhattisgarh and Delhi to be held later this year.
The CPI(M) is also all set to gather support of political parties to counter the communal agenda of the BJP by forming an anti-communal and non-political platform. Asked whether the party would hold talks with JD(U) leader and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, he said “we will talk to him not on the elections” but on other issues like fighting communalism.