Laloo-Basu meet fuels third front rumours

Basu, particularly, has time and again underlined the need for a fresh initiative for the formation of a third front after his retirement from the state’s chief ministership. He had clearly spelt out that he would now devote more time in trying to forge an unity among Left secular and democratic forces at the national level.

As far as Laloo is concerned, his visit may have been prompted by the creation of the Jharkhand state, sources said. He might be looking for strategies to tackle the issue and is likely to seek advice from Basu.

Political sources further pointed out that some of the key figures of the last United Front government at the Centre will be arriving in Calcutta on November 30 when Basu would be given a special felicitation at the Salt Lake Stadium. Though the prime mover behind this function is Bengal’s transport minister, Subash Chakravarty, one of the dissenting voices within the CPI(M), the party is keen to capitalise on it and relook at future possibilities.

Those who have already confirmed their participation on the occasion include former prime ministers H.D. Deve Gowda, Chandra Shekhar and I.K. Gujral.

It is rumoured that the CPI(M) is testing Laloo’s mind before such a congregation and exploring various options.

Yet another invitee on the occasion is Sonia Gandhi, but her participation is not yet confirmed. It is unlikely that she will share the same platform with these leaders, but the revival of a third front could just be what the Congress is looking for at this juncture.