Scrap defence framework pact, says Karat

Asking both the Congress and the BJP not to become part of America8217;s global military plans, CPIM General Secretary Prakash Karat has demanded the nullification of the Defence Framework Agreement. In an article in the forthcoming issue of CPIM organ People8217;s Democracy, Karat says the issue would be discussed at the party congress to be held in Coimbatore starting from March 29.

In the article, he also says that on the political front it would also hold discussions on how to shape a 8220;third alternative8221; on the basis of commonly agreed policies, while trying to 8220;isolate8221; the 8220;communal8221; forces led by the BJP.

Maintaining that the CPIM would ensure that the nuclear deal 8220;does not go forward8221;, Karat said 8220;there is a long struggle ahead8221;. 8220;What has to be accomplished is the disentanglement from a strategic tie-up with the US. This requires the mobilisation of all patriotic and anti-imperialist forces in the country and a sustained movement to force both the Congress and the BJP to desist from pursuing such a course,8221; he said.

The CPIM leader said the party Congress was being held at a time when the global economy was 8220;being shaken8221; by a recession in the US which has engulfed8221; the world financial system.