The CPM is not exploring a third front alternative at the centre since the regional parties at the moment are not likely to come together for a “common programme,” according to CPM General Secretary, Prakash Karat.
A third front is possible only on the basis of a common programme, which at present is “not happening,” he said. However, he admitted that there is possibility of a change in political alignments.
Karat said the present political climate did not allow for a third front: AFP
“The recent elections indicate that people are looking for a non-Congress, non-BJP alternative. One is not sure how this will evolve, but at the time of parliamentary elections there could be a shift in political alignments”, he said.
In an editorial page interview titled “An alternative means a left alternative” in Mathrubhoomi, a top-selling Malayalam newspaper on Wednesday, Karat said that although alternatives are possible in electoral alliances, what his party wants is an alternative that is different, in terms of both ideology and policies, from the Congress and BJP.
In the absence of such an alternative at present, he said the CPM will have issue-based collaboration with parties.
The Karat interview was published on the occasion of the 20th party congress of the CPM, which is beginning at Kozhikkode, in north Kerala, today.
To a question on why such an alternative is elusive, he said, “The main reason is the lack of a strong stand by (regional) parties against neo-liberal economic policies. The governments of the regional parties also follow the same path.”
Therefore, according to Karat, it is not yet time to positively discuss an alternative based on a common programme; but that doesn’t prevent the CPM from aligning with other parties, and issue-based partnerships. This mean there could be floor coordination in the parliament, and even poll alliances.
But still, this doesn’t constitute an alternative. “An alternative should be a left democratic alternative,” he said.
In the answer to another question, he ruled out that such an alternative needed to be left-headed, insisting that it should be based on a common programme.
Discussing specific issues, Karat criticised the centre’s poverty-assessment and its policy of targeting beneficiaries for programmes. He said the Planning Commission had decided on a “quota” for poor people in each state and asked the states to limit the number of the poor within those bourndaries. “First of all, we are against APL and BPL. Other than the rich, everybody else should benefit from the public distribution system.”
“Income is not the only criterion for poverty, it requires a comprehensive approach.”
On India’s geopolitical role, particularly in the context of the recent BRICS summit
Karat said the world is evolving into a multipolar entity where new blocks, regional cooperations and platforms are emerging.
The environment for a single block dominating global affairs doesn’t exist any more. The BRICS coalition is a good example. It is a significant development because it is a symbol of the emerging togetherness of developing countries. Its possibilities have to be completed harnessed. India can play a big role, but its foreign policy and American affinity stand in the way.
For instance, India hasn’t complied with the stand of BRICS on Iran and Syria.
He dismissed charges that the CPM has a discreet understanding with the BJP in the parliament. It is purely coincidental that both the parties have a similar stand on certain issues, he said. The CPM had shared certain common views with Congress as well, when they were in the opposition.
Karat said the 20th party congress has come at a time when the UPA government is completely devoid of direction and has failed on issues such as corruption and price-rise. The party congress will focus on how to fight the neo-liberal policies that widen inequality; and worsen price rise, unemployment and the misery of farmers.
He also mentioned that the CPM’s recent loss in West Bengal and Kerala would lead to discussions on strengthening the party and its political influence.
—-Agencies