The Hindu : New Delhi News : Allu Aravind meets CPI(M) leaders

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Allu Aravind meets CPI(M) leaders

Special Correspondent

PR to have no truck with ‘communal’ BJP
CPI(M) not optimistic about alliance

NEW DELHI: Amidst reports that a grand alliance of Left-TDP-TRS is firming up in Andhra Pradesh, Praja Rajyam (PR) leaders met CPI(M) and CPI functionaries here on Saturday and discussed the possible poll tie-up.

In a new turn to the political developments, PR leader and brother-in-law of actor-politician Chiranjeevi, Allu Aravind, who met CPI(M) leaders -- Prakash Karat and Sitaram Yechury -- along with former Congress MP Hariram Jogiah, indicated that the party was ready to align with the Left-TRS minus TDP.

Mr. Yechury said the talks were still on and the subject would be discussed at the party’s central committee meeting to be held at Kolkata.

Mr. Aravind also reiterated that PR would have no truck with “communal” BJP too and “stick to secularism.” Later he met CPI deputy general secretary and Member of Parliament S. Sudhakar Reddy.

CPI(M) apprehensive

Special Correspondent from Hyderabad adds: Even as the Praja Rajyam has intensified its efforts for cementing ties with the Left, the CPI (M) appears not to be very optimistic that the alliance will materialise.

The delay in announcement of agenda and policies by the PR and its opposition to join any coalition in which the Telugu Desam Party is a constituent, the CPI (M) leaders feel, made the prospects of an alliance bleak.

‘Similar’ ideology

Mr. Arvind is learnt to have explained to the CPI (M) leaders about the need for an alliance between the Left parties and the PR in view of the ‘similarities’ in the ideology of both the sides. “But, how can we give a commitment when we are yet to know about the PR’s policies in concrete terms?” a CPI (M) leader questioned.

Complication

Moreover, the PR’s opposition to join any coalition in which the TDP was a member had only complicated the issue. “How can we ignore the TDP and the TRS when our effort is to see that the opposition vote is not split?” he asked.

PR’s opposition to join any coalition in which the TDP is a member complicates matters for CPI(M)

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