| CPM now wants Third Alternative |
| BS Reporter / New Delhi December 21, 2007 |
| With its relationship with Congress under strain, CPI(M) today announced it wants to explore anew the possibility of building a third force sans Congress and BJP. The cliched Third Front, which has failed miserably in the past, is not the name of the formation. Instead, it has been named Third Alternative. According to Sitaram Yechuri, politburo member, CPI (M): "We have always pitched for a third alternative, but this will not be a mere electoral or seat-sharing arrangement just before the polls. We want to provide a durable third option to the people." CPI(M) is reviewing its decision to back the Congress to keep communal forces (BJP and other NDA partners) at bay. Although the party will continue to pursue this political line if needed (after the next elections, the party will again render outside support to Congress to keep BJP out), it has also started to look for an alternative force. According to sources, the matter was discussed at length at today |
