Politburo told to go all out to stop N-deal

The CPI-M Central Committee (CC) on Monday authorised the party’s Politburo to take “whatever measures necessary” to stop the UPA government from proceeding with the 123 Agreement with the US.

Although CC members have discussed the pros and cons of a mid-term poll in detail, the party officially maintained silence on withdrawal of support from the UPA if the nuclear deal comes into effect.

Despite some differences among the party's central leaders and CC members from Bengal, Kerala and Tripura who found a spokesman in patriarch Jyoti Basu on the timing of election if it becomes inevitable, the CC unanimously asked the UPA government not to proceed with the nuclear deal till it is discussed by the UPA-Left committee and Parliament.

"Even MK Pandhe (a hardliner) signed the CC report. There is unanimity," said Basu on Monday afternoon.

On Sunday, Citu president Pandhe had ruled out Basu's proposal to wait and see if the Congress offers any "concession" to the Left on the nuclear issue.

Except for the Sethusamudram project, the CC in its report, came down heavily on the Congress-led government on issues like price rise, import of wheat, plight of farmers, Sachar report, public distribution system, security for workers in the unorganised sector and raising of gas prices by Reliance.

On at least two occasions, the government was described as "callous" and insensitive towards common people.

Briefing the media, CPM general secretary Prakash Karat said, "An attempt is being made to grapple with the issues placed before the UPA-Left committee. Both sides are trying to find ways on how to resolve our different perceptions. I am not saying this will achieve anything but at the same time we are very clear that they should not proceed to the next step. But the committee is a poor replacement for Parliament."