The next general elections may be in 2009. But for the CPI(M) the countdown has already begun. In this wide-ranging interview to Smita Gupta, general secretary Prakash Karat charts out his party's plans for the next two years and explains its concept of a 'third alternative'. He also elaborates on the Left's position on the presidential and vice-presidential elections as well as recent political events in West Bengal and Kerala. Karat maintains that the Left is committed to Pratibha Patil, the UPA's presidential nominee, and that it is hopeful of finding a vice-presidential candidate suitable to both the UPA and the United National Progressive Alliance (UNPA). Excerpts:
When the UPA leaders jointly expressed their support for Pratibha Patil, the Left leaders were absent even though they had signed the joint statement. Are you distancing yourself from the UPA's presidential choice?
You've said that the Left would like to take the initiative to choose the vice-presidential candidate. What will be the criteria for the selection?
Are the Gandhi brothers, Gopal and Rajmohan, and Mushirul Hasan in the running? Are there other names?
You recently spoke of creating a third alternative around which new political forces could rally. Which are these parties?
How do you propose to continue supporting the UPA while pursuing a third alternative? What will your attitude to the UPA be as you near the next general elections?
Isn't the creation of the UNPA—a new political formation not with the NDA but which has also refused to back the UPA presidential candidate—and the decisive victory of the BSP a setback to your plans for a third alternative?
Coming to Nandigram, you've been quoted as saying, "We couldn't understand the depth of the fears about the land being taken away and when the police went in, we didn't expect this sort of confrontation and clashes." Has the CPI(M), which has been in power for 30 years, lost touch with the people?
The CPI(M) prides itself on its secular credentials, but in West Bengal today, the Muslims feel sadly neglected, and episodes like Nandigram have only added to it. Belatedly, in March this year, you've drawn up a Charter for Advancement of the Muslim Community. Will this be enough?
The Left governments in Kerala and West Bengal seem to be following two different routes on foreign capital. In Kerala, V.S. Achuthanandan, backed by state planning board vice-chairman Prabhat Patnaik, is opposed to public-private partnership. But in Bengal, Buddhadeb Bhattachrya has described the policies being pursued by Kerala as unrealistic. So, what is the Left's position?
The battle between Achuthanandan and Pinarayi Vijayan in Kerala forced you to suspend both from the politburo. At your recent central committee (CC) meeting, you endorsed the suspensions and said you would take stock of the situation at the next CC. How are you dealing with it?
