Explaining his party’s decision to back the UPA’s Pranab Mukherjee in the Presidential elections, CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat on Thursday said that “in the present situation, he is the candidate with the widest possible acceptance.”
However, support to Mr. Mukherjee did not mean backing for the Congress and the CPI(M) would “resolutely fight” the “anti-people” policies of the UPA government, he told a press conference here.
Earlier, a meeting of the Left parties was held. It was attended by Mr. Karat and Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M), A.B. Bardhan (CPI), T.J. Chandrachoodan (RSP) and Debabrata Biswas (FB).
JD(U) stance
Janata Dal (United) convener Sharad Yadav told journalists: “Our party is against any contest now. Till A.P.J. Abdul Kalam was the candidate, we were ready for a contest … We are not supporting a Congress candidate. Under the present circumstances, we are supporting a UPA candidate on whom there is consensus.”
Keywords: Presidential polls, CPI (M) strategy
CPI(M) and FB extended un-willing support and RSP and CPI extended unwilling opposition to pranab mukherjee .
Sir
The presidential election once again made obvious, lack of a credible opposition block in our democratic polity. The stands taken by various opposition groups expose their inability to set aside parochial interests on vital national issues. Nation deserves a more convincing explanation than what Karat offered.
The clarification put forward by Mr.Karat to support Pranab, a congress candidate was very feeble. “The candidate with the widest possible acceptance”, is silly. He has to exhibit reasonable honesty to tell the nation that, CPM PB forced to compromise on ideological and strategic positions to satisfy the regional loyalties of the Bengal comrades.
In fact the Bengali comrades, this time don’t allow Mr.Karat and their group to repeat the “Himalayan Blunder” happened in the case of Jyothi Dada before. They made it definite that their “Badralog”, Pranab Dada will win the Presidential title and proved beyond doubt that Blood is thicker than ideology!!!
Yathy Pattali
The current political development in Presidential poll seems to be an
indication of new alliance for next lokhsabha election. Since Modi is adamant on his ambition to become next PM, JD (U) dont want to be
with NDA for the next election.And every parties know that alliance
with UPA is not going to get any edge in the upcoming poll.I dont
think BJD and AIDMK will go along with NDA, since there is no ground
support for BJP in their respective states. So, I expect a strong
Third front lead by regional parties or left parties in the next
election.
Please Email the Editor