People's Democracy

Extracts From Karat’s Interview

The following are extracts from the interview with Prakash Karat, general secretary of CPI(M) by PTI on April 29

Question: The CPI general secretary has said the Left parties should reconsider their support to the UPA government. What is the CPI(M)’s view on this?

The CPI(M) has not considered withdrawal of support to the UPA government. Withdrawal of support would mean destabilising the government. Who would benefit from this, except the BJP? Our view is that since we are outside the government, we should continue to press for changes in policies and mobilise the people against the measures which are not in the interest of the people and the country. If there is any alternative proposal, we can discuss it in the Left parties.

Question: There is a lot of talk about the presidential elections. Does your party favour a second term for Abdul Kalam? Or is your party thinking of fielding its own candidates like Speaker Somnath Chatterjee with support from Congress?

Our Party will be discussing the issue of presidential elections soon after the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections are over. The picture will be clear then about the electoral college. As far as a second term is concerned, I recall that last time the BJP had argued that no person should be given a second term and that is why they would not support Shri K R Narayanan. They had said since Dr Rajendra Prasad, nobody was given a second term. I wonder, what argument they would give now. As far as our Party is concerned, we will consider the candidate who is most suitable for holding the post of president. (INN)