CPI in favour of political engagement with BJD for election

Notwithstanding its stiff opposition to the proposed Posco steel project, CPI today said it was in favour of politcal engagement with the ruling BJD in Odisha for the next elections.
"Though there are problems with regard to Posco issue and CPI is opposed to the project, we can still have political engagement with BJD in the larger context .. For a non-Congress and non-BJP alternative," CPI national secretary D Raja told reporters.
In its endeavour for a non-Congress and non-BJP alternative of left-democratic, secular and regional political forces, CPI would favour political engagement with regional parties like BJD, he said.

The CPI leader said party leaders belonging to Odisha would discuss issues relating to possible understanding and tie-up for next elections.
Assembly elections in the state are due in 2014 along with the Lok Sabha polls.
Strongly opposing land acquisition for proposed Posco project near Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district, Raja demanded immediate withdrawal of police force from plant site area saying villagers were terrorised due to presence of police.
Citing alleged demolition of betel vines despite protest by villagers in the proposed Posco area, he accused Odisha government of ignoring a recent order of national green tribunal which prohibited felling of trees in the area.

Like in the past, Posco Pratirodh Sangram Samiti (PPSS) would observe a "black day" on June 22 and hold a meeting at Patnahat near the steel plant site in protest against the mega project.