A majority of CPM Central Committee members, after two days of debates and discussions here, have decided to prepare for a mid-term election. They are not willing to compromise their basic ideology on “imperialism.”
The party seems to be convinced that the UPA government will not accommodate its recommendations while operationalising the 123 Agreement. It feels that the Congress will itself approach the President and dissolve the government later this year after it approaches the International Atomic Energy Agency, sources said.
Doors for talks, however, are open. “Let’s see whether the Congress offers any concession at the two meetings of the UPA-Left committee. Only then can we decide our next action,” veteran Left leader Jyoti Basu said on Sunday.
A CC member told HT that the leaders felt that projecting Rahul Gandhi, strengthening ties with Mayawati, keeping Lalu Yadav in good humour and bringing into force the Rural Employment Guarantee Act go to prove that the Congress has its eye on election.