The Hindu : National : Consult all allies, Bardhan tells Sonia

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Friday, May 14, 2004

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National

Consult all allies, Bardhan tells Sonia

By K.V. Prasad

NEW DELHI, MAY 13. Having begun the process of consulting allies, the Congress president, Sonia Gandhi, was advised tonight that she take time and complete the round of consultations with all "secular and like-minded" parties on the issues of leadership and formation of the next government.

The Communist Party of India general secretary, A.B. Bardhan, who met Ms. Gandhi here suggested that the Congress should not be in a hurry to stake claim to form the next government and, even if invited by the President to do so, should seek time.

Mr. Bardhan told The Hindu that he had suggested that while the CPI had little problem in extending support to her leading the coalition, she should not take every one else for granted. "Leadership cannot be imposed," was his candid observation. Though the Congress had emerged the single largest party, it was better she hold consultation with leaders of parties that were willing to support the Congress in its endeavour to form the next secular, coalition government.

Asked about what role he expects the Samajwadi Party chief, Mulayam Singh Yadav, to play in the formation of the next government, Mr. Bardhan said he suggested that the Congress should extended invitation to the SP and leave it to its leader to decide.

Mr. Bardhan said that though there were some differences between the Congress and the Left parties on issues, there should be a Common Minimum Programme that included how the new government would tackle the problems of unemployment, drinking water, disinvestment, saffronisation of education, etc. He said a committee could be set up to draw such a programme. The CPI leader also emphasised on the need for a steering committee of parties that join the next secular government.

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