Karat146;s plan

Karat goes on to list the three essential components spelt out by the party congress for forming a platform for the third alternative, 8220;They are pro-people economic measures, provision for social welfare measures, and independent social policy.8221; Such a platform has to be uncompromisingly anti-communal, he says.

According to Karat, there has been a 13.18 per cent increase in party membership between the 18th party congress and the recent one. The membership of the organisation has increased by 25.67 per cent. 8220;However, this is not sufficient for the party to become a strong all-India force,8221; he says and adds that the party congress has set out concrete steps for expanding the party and for developing a mass organisation.

Talking about the Left-led governments in various states, Karat says they will have to strive hard to ensure that they fulfill the minimum commitments made to the people despite the policies followed by the Centre.

Only Third Front

An editorial says that the future of India and its people can only be secure if the current set of government policies is revised. According to it, the struggle for a better livelihood cannot be achieved unless unity and integrity is protected and strengthened. 8220;The unity and integrity of India can be achieved only by strengthening the bond of commonality that runs through this rich diversity. Any effort to impose uniformity 8212; religious, linguistic, ethnic and cultural 8212; upon this diversity will only strengthen the centrifugal force that can destroy the integrity and unity of the country,8221; the editorial says.

According to it, the trajectory of neo-liberal economic reforms pursued by the ruling Indian classes in the last two decades has resulted in exacerbating economic inequalities. 8220;The hiatus between the shining and suffering India has been growing,8221; it states.

8220;The objective of significantly improving the prosperity of the Indian people can only be achieved if struggles against the neo-liberal economic trajectory are successful,8221; the PD editorial says.

The editorial concludes with a call for building up a political alternative. 8220;A non-Congress, anti-BJP third alternative with a fresh set of policies is the need of the hour,8221; it says and urges the 8220;Indian people to strengthen popular struggles for building a better India with greater prosperity for the vast majority of people.8221;

Expand PDS

Talking about the joint protest by the Left and UNPA against the relentless price rise, PD says that the Wholesale Price Index has breached the 7 per cent barrier. 8220;However, it conceals the real burden imposed on the common man with the massive increase in prices of essential commodities,8221; it says. While stating the Left8217;s demands on the issue, the article says that the PDS must be strengthened by universalising it and by including 15 essential commodities, pulses, edible oil and sugar in it. It also urges the government to ban futures trading in 25 agricultural commodities proposed by the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Food.