SP slams Paswan, CPI for stalling Third Front

Lamenting that the effort for the Third Front—of CPI, CPI(ML), Forward Bloc, LJP, RSP, NCP and SP—has come to naught because of the refusal of several parties to come together, Singh said,

‘‘The possibility of a larger Third Front lies largely on the shoulders of Paswan and the CPI, and if they want a strong front to take on Laloo, they have to work hard in this direction.’’

Problems began when Paswan said he will not have any truck with either the SP or CPI(ML), forcing the CPI not to ally with the two parties. ‘‘Suddenly, we are the new untouchables,’’ Singh said, adding that they were not in touch with Paswan.

While talks between the SP and the CPI(ML) are on, the SP leaders said Paswan wants to have his cake and eat it too. ‘‘Paswan’s anti-Laloo stance is genuine, but at the same time, he does not want to give up his ministry at the Centre,’’ an SP leader said, adding that the CPI had no choice but to have an alliance with Paswan to strengthen its base in the state.

‘‘Last election, too, we were left in the lurch by every party. Despite that, the SP won four seats. But while the JD(U)-BJP has formed a formidable combination to fight Laloo, and Laloo has got the Congress-CPI(M) backing, confusion prevails in this third group.’’