How consistent is the CPI(M)'s current decision to give Congress outside support at the Centre?
With the BJP coming to power, things are different from 1964. But even earlier we had supported the UF and Janata Party governments. In any case, it is a question of outside support to the Congress... we are still talking to them.
Reports are that Congress will support Manmohan Singh's policies.
I have not seen these reports. Anyway, what is this policy of liberalisation? Factories are closed, people lose jobs, the rich get richer and the poor poorer. The Congress agreed to the common minimum programme. There can be no question of accepting their economic policies which have landed us in this situation.
Some Left allies are not prepared to support the Congress.
We will talk among ourselves and settle all that. There will be no problem.
What is the present status of talks with the Congress?
They do not yet have the numbers (to bring down the BJP government). If they stake a claim, we will help them. Despite its occasional compromises, the Congress is not a communal party.
