Grand Alliance will overcome hurdles: CPI

The Communist Party of India (CPI) expressed confidence that the trouble facing the Grand Alliance over seat-sharing among the partners would come to an end once the nominations were filed. The party refuted reports over the “fissures” in the alliance describing them as “rumours” spread by the Congress.

Speaking to reporters here on Saturday, Andhra Pradesh CPI secretary K. Narayana said the alliance was sure to emerge victorious after the elections as people had seen through the “corrupt Congress rule.” This was evident from the absence of any enthusiasm in the meetings addressed by Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy.

A tricky question to answer

Unlike other parties, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) is averse to declaring a Prime Ministerial candidate from among the constituent parties of the Third Front. It is firm in its line that Prime Ministers are not directly elected but chosen by the members of Parliament. “We can, no doubt, project a candidate as the Prime Minister and go to polls. But, who should take the responsibility if the Prime Ministerial candidate is defeated?” Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sitaram Yechury asked.