‘Decision on Cong tie-up after May 16’

CPM General Secretary Prakash Karat,who till recently had ruled out a post-poll tie-up with the Congress,softened his stand and said a decision on government formation and support to any political party will be taken only after the results are out.

In Kolkata to participate in rallies,he spoke to the media at NSC Bose Airport on Saturday. “Let the elections be over and the results come out. After May 16,we will think (about what is to be done),” said Karat,when asked to comment on recent statements of senior Congress leaders,including Rahul Gandhi,who are looking for Left support. The CPM general secretary,who dodged questions of supporting a Congress-led government,said,“I believe the Third Front will be able to form a government at the Centre.”

Later speaking at a gathering of the Gujarati community in Calcutta Gujarati Samaj Bhawan in Bhowanipur,he said alternative policies in economic,foreign and social spheres can be implemented only by a third alternative. “The two-party system will not work in India because our country is vast and diverse. Regional parties have a greater role to play. Telegu Desam Party has already sent us a proposal,” said Karat.

He stressed that the Left has taken up a role to unite all regional powers in this elections and clarified that the Left is not anti-industry. “It is being said that we are anti-business. But we do not want to shut the doors to the world but want self-reliance,” said the CPM leader.