Date:14/01/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/01/14/stories/2008011456951200.htm

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CPI(M) gearing for big political change: Basu

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— PHOTO: SUSHANTA PATRONOBISH

STEADFAST APPROACH: Veteran CPI(M) leader Jyoti Basu speaking at the open session of the party’s 22nd West Bengal State Conference on the Brigade Parade Ground in Kolkata on Sunday. (Right) Sharing the dais with Mr. Basu are State Committee secretary Biman Bose, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and general secretary Prakash Karat.

KOLKATA: The Communist Party of India (Marxist) “is unwavering” in working towards the setting up of a “classless, non-exploitative, socialist state.” That, however, is not possible till it assumes power at the Centre. Yet, it is preparing for a “big change” in the political future of the country, veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu said here on Sunday.

“We do not lie and have no illusions of establishing socialism in the three States with limited powers. But the party would continue to pursue its political agenda, aware of the capitalist state within which it functions,” he told a rally at the 22nd State conference of the CPI(M).

CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat stressed the need for Left unity and said this was critical for the setting up of an “alternative third force” at the national level to counter “communal forces” like the Bharatiya Janata Party as well as “capitalist forces” represented by parties such as the Congress.

“It is the responsibility of all the Left parties to strengthen Left unity and we realise that as the largest Left party, we have the greater responsibility and are committed towards fulfilling it,” Mr. Karat said. A new alternative force was what the CPI(M) was setting its sights on “but this can only happen if the unity within the Left parties is strengthened.”

Referring to the Left Front in West Bengal, Mr. Basu said: “There are some problems [within the constituents] that are being discussed.”

“But we can never allow the Left Front to weaken; this is impossible, it will only help the Opposition,” he added.

The Left Front in the State was an inspiration to Left forces and whether or not unity was maintained within, it would have to be decided by the Front itself, Biman Bose, secretary of the CPI(M) State Committee, said.

“Whenever there is any shortcoming in understanding [between the partners], we resolve it through discussions. We believe we can do so even in the case of the differences that have emerged at present,” Mr. Bose added.