CPI for state-specific alliances in Lok Sabha polls

The Communist Party of India (CPI) has decided to opt for state-specific alliances for the next Lok Sabha elections keeping in view the local conditions rather than having understanding with other political parties only at the national level.

The Communist Party of India (CPI) has decided to opt for state-specific alliances for the next Lok Sabha elections keeping in view the local conditions rather than having understanding with other political parties only at the national level.

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The rider is that this understanding would only have to be with the secular and democratic forces.

Interpreting this resolution passed earlier this week at a two-day meeting of its national executive committee in New Delhi, executive committee member Joginder Dayal said this would mean that the party could go in for seat adjustment with the Congress and other like-minded parties.

The CPI in Punjab is part of the Sanjha Morcha conglomerate that also includes the People's Party of Punjab headed by former finance minister Manpreet Singh Badal, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and the Akali Dal (Longowal).

The party's target at the national level is to have a powerful and effective Left block in Parliament and the strategy and tactics discussed at this meeting aimed at achieving this target.

Dayal said the party would focus on rising prices, inflation, growing unemployment, food security to all, land distribution and agrarian reforms. The party would target corruption and fight for democratic rights of the people while opposing atrocities and discrimination against Dalits and women.

The CPI has been contesting elections in Punjab in alliance with the Congress.