CPM not to ally with INDIA bloc, CPM, INDIA, alliance, Opposition Bloc, coordination committee, Sitaram Yechury, kerala latest news

Biju Paravath

19 September 2023, 09:34 AM IST

2 min read

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Sitaram Yechury, Rahul Gandhi | Photo: ANI

Thiruvananthapuram: The CPM’s decision to stay away from the INDIA (Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance) bloc’s coordination committee has sparked difference of opinion among party leaders. Although the CPM’s decision came after repeated talks and debates over the alliance, an ideological crisis has once again set foot within the party.

According to reports, the politburo's decision to not participate in the coordination committee was the result of the Kerala CPM’s take that the party need not work along with Congress for formulation of policies. Earlier, the Kannur Party Congress had declared BJP as the major enemy.

Nevertheless, regional alliances can be formulated after estimating the situations of each state and the party need not oppose the Congress membership in this regard. However, alliances with regional parties should be prioritised over the Congress; that is the party Congress’ decision.

As per the CPM's stance, a UPA-model alliance can be formed at the national level after the polls. However, INDIA turned into an anti-BJP front ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. According to the Kerala CPM, if the party joins the bloc’s high-level committee, then it is equivalent to the CPM being a part of the Congress front.

That is why, the politburo decided to stay away from the coordination committee formed in the INDIA meeting, which also included the participation of the CPM general secretary.

Meanwhile, there are many within the party who slam the move, equating the party’s current decision with the earlier one of withdrawing support to the first UPA government over the India-US (civil) nuclear deal. There are members who are in support of forming an alliance with the Congress in 10 major states, other than Kerala, where CPM is strong in terms of members.

Therefore, CPM has decided that a central committee meeting scheduled for October will take a final decision over the party’s membership in the INDIA bloc’s high level committee. It is also learnt that Sitaram Yechury’s relation with Rahul Gandhi is a major driving factor in talks over granting seats to CPM in states except Kerala.

Furthermore, the support from INDIA parties is necessary for CPM to acquire seats in Maharashtra. Hence, it is crucial enough to see whether the central committee will change the politburo’s decision. Also, the fact that the current decision can only benefit the political scenario in Kerala could also affect the committee’s decision.