Date:19/06/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/06/19/stories/2006061904341200.htm

National

Third Front is needed: Bardhan

Berhampur (Orissa): A strong Third Front sans the Congress and the BJP at the Centre was necessary since the country was passing through a ``critical'' phase, CPI General Secretary A.B. Bardhan said.

``The Third Front alternative is necessary but it cannot be achieved by meeting with some leaders only,'' he said, reacting to CPI (M) General Secretary Prakash Karat's recent meeting with the Samajwadi Party supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav.

He said it could be only possible through strengthening of Left democratic forces and the people's movement.

The veteran CPI leader was here to attend the birth centenary celebration of former party leader Dandapani Swain at Gautami, around 30 km from here. — PTI