Left to increase pressure on UPA: CPI(M)

Yechury said the victory was a result of the faith of the people in the party and in its policies and principles.

Upbeat over its poll successes in West Bengal and Kerala, an aggressive CPI(M) on Thursday said it will increase pressure on the ruling UPA coalition at the Centre, which it supports from outside, to implement the policies mentioned in the Common Minimum Programme.

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"We will have increased pressure and influence on the UPA alliance. Naturally, it is bound to increase after the elections results, but only for the better," Politburo member Sitaram Yechury told reporters in New Delhi.

He said the victory was a result of the faith of the people in the party and in its policies and principles.

Accusing the Election Commission for adopting "double standards" in West Bengal by ordering a five-phase poll, Yechury said, "the thumping victory was a befitting reply by the people."

"We will definitely take up the matter in Parliament," he said adding, "we cannot allow such a situation. Every other Election Commission feels that it alone can conduct free and fair polls in the country."

"EC should strengthen democratic process and not weaken it," she said.

"This is a victory of the people of West Bengal, who were insulted by the Election Commission," she said demanding a uniform policy for elections across the country.

Karat said the Central Committee of the party will meet to review the current political situation.