The Communist Party of India (Marxist) will soon start deliberations to forge alliances with non-Congress secular parties for the coming Assembly elections followed by Lok Sabha election.
“We have had a very detailed discussion on the political situation and preparations for the Lok Sabha polls in various States and have identified certain States where we can have electoral understanding with non-Congress secular parties,” CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat told reporters at the end of the party’s Central Committee meeting.
Mr. Karat expressed concern at growing communal incidents, including in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir and Bihar. The CPI(M) would hold consultations with non-Congress secular and democratic forces to forge an anti-communal platform.
“In all these incidents, there are distinct links with the activities of the BJP-RSS,” he said. The Central Committee expressed its deep concern at incidents of communal violence that had erupted in the recent period, in Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, and some parts of Bihar.
“The rise in communal incidents is linked to the aggressive activities of the BJP-RSS combine. In Bihar, in Nawada and Bettiah, provocative slogans and symbols associated with RSS-BJP combine were on display,’’ Mr. Karat said. He alleged that the BJP wanted to implement the Gujarat model—where one section had to surrender its rights — across the country.
On electoral alliances, he said Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Assam were some States where the CPI(M) was looking for regional partners. “”It is no secret’’ that parties such as the AIADMK, the BJD and the Asom Gana Parishad have had “understanding with the Left parties in the past.” He, however, added that no discussions were held with these parties as yet, but discussions would be held.
Asked about AIADMK chief Jayalalithaa’s proximity to Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, he said the AIADMK had been consistently opposing the wrong policies of the UPA government and its electoral understanding with the Left was no secret.
The Central Committee heard reports of preparations for Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Delhi due to be held later this year.
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 elections” but on other issues like fighting communalism.
