Tehran picks up Delhi din, makes contact with Left

The Iranian First Secretary (Political), who met Raja, had a detailed discussion on the Iran issue and was given a copy of the Left’s note on the vote. He is said to have praised the Left for espousing the Iranian cause. The meeting with Raja comes ahead of a similar meeting with the CPI(M).

While a CPI leader described the Iranian diplomat’s visit as no more than a ‘‘casual interaction’’, it assumes importance in view of the Left’s continued opposition to the government on the issue.

Leaders of four Left parties — the CPI(M), CPI, Forward Bloc and Revolutionary Socialist Party — met the Prime Minister last week to protest against the vote. Because they feel that their views had been ignored at the meeting, the Left has announced plans for a national campaign, roping in other parties like the Samajwadi Party and the Janata Dal (Secular).