- New CPI(M) honcho Prakash Karat has a hardliner image.
- The Congress feels it may be easier dealing with Karat since with him "you know what's non-negotiable".
- With West Bengal, Kerala polls on the anvil, anti-UPA rhetoric will rise.
- The flamboyant Sitaram Yechury's future role in CPI(M) still looks hazy. Will he be sidelined?