|
Left’s search for a new alternative |
 |
B.I. Saini
CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat’s statement that the Left is working to create an alternative to the Congress and the BJP signals a turbulent phase in the political sphere after the Presidential and Vice Presidential elections are over. For the record, Karat has said that the Left will not rock the boat of the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government at the Centre while they are searching for a new alternative. But how far the Left will “tolerate the violation” of the Common Minimum Programme by the Manmohan Singh Government, before it steps in effectively, remains to be seen. While the UPA Government has generally been deferential to the wishes of the Left on several issues, the Congress-led coalition has to implement at least major parts of its agenda, whether openly or quietly. The way the Government has gone about implementing Pension Reforms to an extent, despite the opposition of the Left, is a case in point.
A major test of relations between the UPA and the Left is expected to come by the end of this year when the Government plans to finalise the civilian nuclear deal with the United States. The Manmohan Singh Government has committed itself to the deal to such an extent that it will be very difficult for it to draw back. Like President Bush’s Government in Washington, the UPA Government for more than a year has been touting the deal as a major achievement in the sphere of foreign policy.
Almost to the same extent, the Left parties have committed themselves to oppose the deal if it is not in accordance with the Prime Minister’s assurances to Parliament. Like the BJP, whose top most leader Atal Bihari Vajpayee has now made the demand, they have been favouring a discussion in Parliament before India puts the final signature on the agreement with the United States.
Differnces between the UPA and the Left on economic policy also show no signs of coming down. Even though the Left Front Government in West Bengal itself is working for promoting indus¬try, it is opposing the Centre’s move for economic reforms, which is essential for bringing about rapid industrial development of the country.
Another twist in the tale is expected to be provided this week by the Third Front or United National Progressive Alliance, when it comes out with its formal stance on the Presidential election. Samajwadi Party chief Mulayam Singh Yadav has said that the eight constituent parties of the Front will be issuing what he called a “political” statement spelling out their stand on not only the Presidential election, but also perhaps the emerging political scenario in the country.
With Lok Sabha elections less than two years away, all political parties would be trying to maintain and, if possible, expand their political space so that they emerge as a force to reckon with after the next battle at the hustings. The UPA, as the ruling coalition, will be battling with the anti-incumbency factor and will have to acquit itself in a better way than earli¬er, if it is to retain power. The only saving grace for the Congress-led UPA is that the principal opposition party, the BJP, is not in very good shape either and may not be able to take advantage of the anti-incumbency factor. In this light, the eight constituent parties of the UNPA, which are primarily re¬gional outfits, and the Left have scope for expanding at the cost of the Congress and the BJP. The Left’s posturing about a “new third alternative” has to be seen in this context.
|
