CPI(M) to redefine its relationship with UPA

Against the backdrop of the Indo-US nuclear deal, the largest Left party, CPI(M), is likely to change its relations with the UPA government but the full contours will be clear only after tomorrow's round of brainstorming Politburo meeting.

Before the crucial politburo meeting, CPI(M) General Secretary Pakash Karat used a metaphor to describe the future of the UPA-Left relations when he said: "The honeymoon is over but yes, the marriage can continue."

This was being interpreted in some circles as signs of an impending rapproachment with the UPA after CPI general secretary A B Bardhan said on Thursday that "divorce papers are ready".

CPI, on the other hand, recalibrated its relationship with the UPA and called for support on the basis of the "merit of each issue" after their central secretariat meeting today. This move by the CPI was aimed not only to put pressure on the government but also to influence CPI(M) Politburo's decision.

That the CPI(M) was also concerned about mega projects in West Bengal like the proposed chemical hub was clear from the statement of the CPI(M) state secretary in Bengal, Biman Basu, who said: "Our relation with the Centre will not affect the development of West Bengal." Chief minister Buddhadev Bhattacharya met the prime minister this evening over dinner and reportedly discussed some projects apart from politics.

The two other left parties, Forward Block and RSP, are in favour of immediate withdrawal of the Common Minimum Programme-based support and have taken a harder stand.

After the first day's meeting of the Politburo, Sitaram Yechuri said, "We still believe government will realise and review certain points."

Though the Left parties intend to change the status of their relationship with the government, they have doubts about the wisdom of pulling the government down on an issue like the Indo-US nuclear deal. They would prefer to build up their case on the basis of a number of economic and social issues before striking.

Yechuri said, "The government will fall on its own because of its policies. Why do we need to pull it down?" After their central secretariat meet, A B Badhan said, "There are problems in domestic policy. The situation is becoming untenable. Support to the government should be on the basis of merit of each issue."

Bardhan also cited some social and economic issues on the basis of which the UPA government's performance should be critically reviewed.