The Hindu : Front Page : CPI(M) to form alternative to Congress, BJP in Tamil Nadu

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Sunday, Aug 24, 2008
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CPI(M) to form alternative to Congress, BJP in Tamil Nadu

B. Kolappan

CPI(M) to invite PMK, DMDK, to join movements on people’s issues
It will hold talks with CPI after State council meeting

CHENNAI: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) will make consistent efforts to form an alternative to both the Congress and the BJP in Tamil Nadu, according to a resolution adopted by the State secretariat meeting of the party.

Asked whether the alternative formation would include the Pattali Makkal Katchi and the Desiya Murpokku Dravida Kazhagam led by actor Vijaykant, CPI (M) State secretary N. Varadarajan told The Hindu that these issues would be decided during the course of political mobilisation. In Hosur, CPI State secretary D. Pandian echoed the viewpoint saying the party would form an alliance with like-minded parties.

Mr. Varadarajan said his party would discuss all the issues with the CPI after the State council meeting now under way in Hosur. By August 27, both the parties would finalise the issues to be taken up for political mobilisation.

“We have plans to invite parties such as the PMK and the DMDK to participate in movements to highlight people’s issues. The Viduthalai Chiruthaikal Katchi led by Thol Thirumavalavan is also on our mind. They may not agree with us on all issues. Even if they share one common point, they can work with us. Slowly we can bring together the parties that have issues in common with us,” said Mr. Varadarajan.

Explaining the resolution, he said Tamil Nadu politics could not be seen in isolation without taking into consideration the position taken by the Left parties against the wrong policies of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre.

Recalling the efforts taken by Left leaders to stall the Indo-U.S. civilian nuclear deal and their meeting with Chief Minister M. Karunanidhi seeking his intervention, the CPI (M) leader said it was a mystery how Mr. Karunanidhi, who supported the Left till one point, changed his stand.

“The attempt made by the DMK to demean the CPI (M) leaders is nothing but political indecency. Tamil Nadu was able to get an unprecedented number of berths in the Union Cabinet since the Left decided to stay away from joining the government,” the resolution said.

The party also rejected the Chief Minister’s allegation that the CPI (M) had taken a pro-BJP stand in the past. “On the other hand, it is the Congress and the BJP that always joined together to pull down non-Congress governments at the Centre.”

The CPI (M) will organise demonstrations in all district headquarters on August 27 against the police firing at Rettanai on people who were demanding Rs.80 as wages under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme.

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