Comrades to let Somnath be Speaker

At its day-long meeting in Kolkata tomorrow, the CPI(M) polit bureau is likely to accept the offer to make Sommath Chatterjee the Speaker of...

At its day-long meeting in Kolkata tomorrow, the CPI(M) polit bureau is likely to accept the offer to make Sommath Chatterjee the Speaker of the 14th Lok Sabha but reiterate the central committee’s decision not to join any ‘‘steering committee’’ or similar body of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance.

The main agenda before the CPI(M) leadership is a detailed discussion on the draft Common Minimum Programme, sources said, adding that the Speaker issue was more or less ‘‘a foregone conclusion’’ since most members were in favour of it.

The so-called “hardliners” in the party who overwhelmingly ruled out joining the coalition government have no problems with making Chatterjee the Speaker—since the non-partisan role deals with the legislature and has nothing to do with the executive, sources said.

Story continues below this ad

Speculation that CPI(M) general secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet may be the “convenor” of the UPA’s “steering committee” also has no basis since the Central Committee, at its meeting here on May 16-17, had decreed that “the CPI(M) cannot be part of the Congress-led alliance which will form the government, but it will, in order to ensure a stable and viable government, extend support to it from outside.”

This position is in sharp contrast to the United Front days when the CPI(M) was a key member of the Front even though it stayed out of the government.

As for participating in the proposed “coordination committee” that will oversee the implementation of the CMP, party sources said that would depend on the final shape of the document.

Yogi Adityanath, Shri Ramswaroop Memorial University, police lathicharge, police lathicharge students, Indian express news, current affairs

In a major step, UP prohibits caste-based political rallies, public signs

Cities2 hr ago

Uttar Pradesh government bans caste-based political rallies and markings, stressing on national unity and inclusive system. The ruling BJP and opposition to be affected ahead of assembly elections. Chief Secretary orders action against those inciting conflict through caste-based displays and protests.

View all shorts

Live Blog