CPI-M eyes certain states for poll ties

The CPI(M) has decided to launch parleys to forge alliances or seat adjustments with non- Congress secular parties for the upcoming Lok Sabha and state assembly elections.
"We have had a very detailed discussion on the political situation and preparations for the Lok Sabha polls in various states. We have identified certain states where we can have electoral understanding with non-Congress secular parties," party General Secretary Prakash Karat told a press conference at conclusion of a meeting of the CPI(M) Central Committee.
The states include Tamil Nadu, Odisha and Assam where "it is no secret" that parties like AIADMK, BJD and Asom Gana Parishad have had "understanding with the Left parties in the past", he said in reply to questions.

"No discussions have been held with these parties as yet, but we will pursue (discussions) ... AIADMK has been consistently opposing the wrong policies of the UPA government and its electoral understanding with the Left is no secret," Karat said.
He said the Central Committee discussed the preparations for the Lok Sabha elections in the various states and heard reports of the preparations for the assembly elections due in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Delhi to be held later this year.
Expressing concern over the growing communal incidents in the country including in parts of Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jammu and Kashmir and Bihar, he said the CPI(M) would hold consultations with non-Congress secular and democratic forces to forge an anti-communal platform.

"In all these incidents, there are distinct links with the activities of the BJP-RSS," Karat said.
Asked whether the party would hold talks with JD(U) leader and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, he said "we will talk to him not on the elections" but on other issues like fighting communalism.