As the bickering of forming a non-BJP and non-Congress front gains momentum before the lok Sabha election, CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury on Tuesday said that people are looking for an alternative.
In a programme organised by the Communist Party in Chandigarh, Yechury said that it is too early to reach to a conclusion, but once the polls are over, a viable option will emerge before the people of the country. However, the party has lost almost all its bastion, except Kerala which is its lone hope.
“People are not happy with the functioning of the present Congress Government and there is a feeling among the masses that they have been duped of their money, due to the corruption, that has gnawed the fabric of the ruling coalition. Price rise and inflation has added to the woes,” said the CPI (M) leader.
Commenting over the recent alliance with the AIADMK, in Tamil Nadu, for the upcoming lok-Sabha polls, he said that time has come for the regional parties to prove their mettle, and stand with the masses. It is only with time that we will prove our worth, he added. “What we believe is people want that kind of alternative that will follow policies that will provide them relief. So, an alternative merely to cobble up majority is not what people want,” said Yechury.
The function, at which Yechury was addressing his party workers, was organised to celebrate the centenary year of ‘Gadar Party’ movement. Invoking the past, the CPI(M), leader said that the movement was for attaining freedom. Now again time has come, to fight for economic freedom, as crisis is looming large over our nation, he added.
When asked about the emergence of AAP, which people of Delhi had voted as an alternative, as a threat to them, he said such an alternative which does not make its stand clear on crucial policies may run only for some time. “So far they (AAP) are not clear on policies. They are against corruption, which is our fight too,” he said, claiming the AAP does not have a clear stand on several issues including economic policies being followed in this country and on communalism. Commenting over his action plan in Punjab, Yechury said that they have allied with the People’s Party of Punjab and the doors will be opened for like minded people to join them.
Showing his displeasure over the Telangana issue, he said that it is certain that the proceedings of the Parliament will be stalled, as there is infighting in the Congress over the issue and there are members within the ruling party who are opposing the formation of Telangana.