NCP, JD (U) back CPM’s idea of grand secular alliance, Cong open to idea
19 February, New Delhi
A day after the CPI (M) said it is seeking cooperation of all forces to form a ”secular and democratic alliance” against the NDA government, many like-minded parties including the Congress Friday said they are open to the idea and even described it as ” need of the hour.”
Reacting on the idea, AICC spokesperson Abhishek Manu Singhvi said in the present situation where the BJP and the RSS were trying to push their ideology and creating an atmosphere of fear and divisiveness in the country, a secular alliance to fight the NDA was the need of the House.
”However, these are matters that are decided based on multiple factors. The final decision in this regard has to be taken by top leadership of the party,” Mr Singhvi added.
In this context, he said that the party had favoured an alliance with the Left parties in West Bengal elections to strengthen the Secular forces.
Firmly backing the proposal, NCP General Secretary DP Tripathi said the time has come for a nationwide pre-poll understanding between various ”secular and democratic” parties and that he himself had met CPI (M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury in this regard.
Stressing that the largest party (Congress) must spearhead the front, the NCP General Secretary said the front is otherwise likely to fail as conflicts will arise on the issue of leadership.Asked whether the left parties were ”uncomfortable” with Congress leading the front, he said the left has now become more ‘realistic’ about current political scenario and efforts were on in right direction to build consensus over it.
Welcoming the statement of Yechury, JDU General Secretary KC Tyagi said the consolidation of opposition started with Bihar Election when secular parties kept their differences aside and forged an alliance against the BJP.” Bihar will become the torch-bearer in bringing various political parties against the centre, which is hell-bent to destroy secular and democratic fabric of the nation,” Mr Tyagi said.
Replying to a query whether JDU will accept Congress as leader of the alliance, the party General secretary termed the question ‘unimportant’ at this stage, saying nation was foremost not the self-interests.Briefing the media yesterday about the two-day deliberations of the Central Committee of the CPI (M), Yechury said ”it is clear we are seeking cooperation of all democratic forces,” hinting at a broader understanding between the CPI(M) and other parties, including Congress in states, where elections are scheduled this year