rediff.com: Marxists to change strategy

Determined not to repeat its 'historic blunder', the Communist Party of India-Marxist proposes to make a major shift in its political strategy by opening options of participating in governments at the Centre if the opportunity came.

"My party has changed its stance. If an opportunity comes (to participate in government at the Centre), we shall certainly consider it. What applied to the states earlier will now apply to the Centre," Marxist Leader Jyoti Basu said in an interview to Kairali, a Malayalam television channel.

Basu was offered the prime ministership in 1996. However, the offer to lead the United Front coalition was turned down by the CPI-M's central committee. Asked about it, he said, "I still think it was a historic blunder because communist parties do not get such opportunities."

He said the shift in stance would be reflected in the draft of the revised party programme, which is to be finalised at a special plenum in Thiruvananthapuram in October.

A note has also been circulated saying what applies to states, where the party can participate in governments, will now also apply to the Centre. The CPI-M had so far offered only outside support during government formation at the Centre.

Admitting that the party had 'lost its touch' with the people in certain parts of West Bengal, the chief minister said this was being rectified. He said it was necessary to be in touch with the people 'particularly, when there was a communal government at the Centre, which is against us."

Asked how he felt looking back at his six decade political life, the 86-year-old Marxist said, "One feels a bit sad. We are still weak and not equal to the situation."

"That is why we need allies. We got an opportunity (in 1996) but that also we lost. But communists don't despair and we will continue our fight against communal forces," he added.

Asked about the party's plea to him not to retire, Basu said, "It is a physical burden and nothing to do with my mental balance. I am suffering from a stomach disease, which is not really curable. I feel I am not able to work the way I should. Somebody should take over. I shall be there. Communists do not leave the party even at the deathbed."

Regarding the proposed 'Third Front', Basu said the Left parties had a major role to play as 'individuals can't do much'. He said there was need for an organisation, movement, ideology and economic plan for such a formation.

Lashing out at the Bharatiya Janata Party and Trinamul Congress, he said imposition of President's rule was 'not possible' in the state. "If it happens, we are prepared for all eventualities," he said.

He accused BJP of trying to divide the people on the basis of religion and said, "What they are doing is barbaric and uncivilised. What they call Hindutva is not Hinduism."


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CPI-M for major shift in its strategy