Talk policy not people: Left tells Sonia

For smaller parties like Sharad Pawar’s NCP, Mulayam Singh’s SP and Mayawati’s BSP the issue of who is likely to be the prime minister going to be the key factor, while the Left feels these are of little importance when defeating the BJP tops the agenda.

Both CPI(M) and CPI leaders were more or less certain that there is little chance of forming any NDA-like alliance with the Congress at the helm. A senior Left leader said: ‘‘To begin with, some of the key forces of such a secular alliance is within the NDA-fold now. Besides, an alliance with the Congress is not possible in many of the states where the Left is in the reckoning.’’

The leader added that there is no possibility of forming a Front (with the Congress) as those who are calling themselves ‘‘secular’’ also have ‘‘clandestine understanding with the BJP’’.

However, CPI general secretary A.B. Bardhan seemed prepared to give the Congress a chance: ‘‘Announcements are all very well. But do they have the humility to implement it at the ground level. They are going step-by-step.’’

Reiterating Karat’s view, Bardhan also emphasised that an overt alliance with the Left will be difficult because of the Congress’ pro-economic reform policies. ‘‘But after the defeat in the three states, the Congress has realised that forming a government on its own strength is a mirage they better stop chasing. The rest can follow,’’ Bardhan added.