CPI to stay in AGP-led front

GUWAHATI, March 25: The Assam State Committee of the Communist Party of India (CPI) today finally decided to stay on with the four-party alliance. The party arrived at the decision at a two-day meeting of the State executive, which was chaired by member of Parliament, Drupad Borgohain. Talking to The Assam Tribune after the meeting, senior CPI leader and State Flood Control Minister, Promode Gogoi said that the State executive of the party had a detailed discussion on the prevailing political scenario and decided to work for strengthening and expanding the existing alliance. Gogoi revealed that the CPI State executive today stressed the need for formulating a common minimum programme as some differences cropped up among the alliance partners because of lack of a common minimum programme. He admitted that there might be some difference in the policies of the alliance partners, but the alliance can be strengthened with a common programme. "For example, the CPI favours dialogue with the insurgent outfits without any pre-condition, while, some other alliance partners may not support the view," he pointed out. The State executive of the CPI, today stressed the need for forming a coordination committee of the alliance for better cooperation and understanding between the partners. The party also resolved that there should be reasonable distribution of seats among the alliance partners. The CPI is also in favour of expanding the alliance by roping in other like-minded parties. Gogoi revealed that a meeting of the alliance partners will be held later tonight and the issues relating to expansion of the alliance will be discussed in the meeting. Interestingly, efforts are on by the AGP to rope in the United Ministries Front (UMF) into the alliance and the CPM has already expressed reservations over the inclusion of the UMF. Gogoi today admitted that the CPI also has reservations over the policies and programmes of the UMF. Though the CPI has decided to stay on with the alliance, Gogoi said that his party would have to rethink its strategy if any of the alliance partners come closer to the BJP. "We have already made it clear that it any of the alliance partners come closer to the BJP, we would be forced to come out of the alliance," he added. Replying to a question regarding reports that a few district units of the AGP opposed an alliance with the CPI, Gogoi said, "The AGP may have difference of opinion among its district units and it is up to the AGP to settle the differences." Gogoi also revealed that the State executive of the party today decided to launch a statewide campaign demanding the resignation of the BJP-led government at the Centre following the Tehelka expose.