CPI(M) State secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan has said that his party will accept votes from the Kerala Congress (M) [KC(M)] and the BDJS in an effort to increase its vote share and majority in the Chengannur byelection.
This, however, did not mean that the LDF would enter into a political alliance with either of the two parties, he said while talking to the media here on Thursday. The CPI(M) was willing to accept votes from all parties and organisations except the RSS. It was poised for a big win in Chengannur.
Mr. Balakrishnan said the exit of the Janata Dal (U) led by M.P. Veerendrakumar and the Kerala Congress (M) headed by K.M. Mani had left the UDF on the decline in Kerala, while the uncooperative attitude of the BDJS towards the BJP was destabilising the NDA. This had created a political milieu advantageous for the LDF to increase its vote share.
The CPI(M) would try to expand the LDF by bringing more constituents into its fold. Both the KC(M) and the BDJS could vote for the CPI(M) candidate in Chengannur. “We expect even a section of Congress workers to cast their votes for the LDF,” he said.
'No truck with BDJS'
Replying to questions, Mr. Balakrishnan said there was no question of forging a tactical understanding with community organisations such as the BDJS. “We had consciously avoided a political tie-up with the erstwhile SRP and NDP even while maintaining friendly relations with the NSS and SNDP Yogam.” Asked about the possibility of an understanding with the KC(M), he said the LDF was yet to get feelers from the party.
To the question whether the Chengannur bypoll would be an evaluation of the performance of the LDF government, he replied that the verdict would reflect the people’s assessment of the LDF, UDF and NDA.
Mr. Balakrishnan said the LDF would repeat its performance in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections when the country goes to the polls in the general elections next year. “The Left parties will increase their seat share in Parliament by mobilising anti-BJP votes across India, but without a political alliance with the Congress.”
