The Hindu : National : CPI(M) congress to review party strategy

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Wednesday, Apr 06, 2005

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National

CPI(M) congress to review party strategy

By Our Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI, APRIL 5. For the first time since its inception three decades ago, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) will hold its congress here at a time when the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) supported by the Left parties from outside is running a coalition government at the Centre.

Beginning tomorrow, the six-day congress will review the direction the party has taken since the last Hyderabad Congress three years ago, the role of the Left and the party in the present political situation, a roadmap for the future and possibly elect a new leadership.

The 18th Congress begins in the backdrop of mixed experiences by the Left parties with the UPA and the position of confrontation on several economic policies pursued by the Congress-led coalition Government.

In the present situation the CPI (M) feels it has to play an independent role, which means criticising and opposing such steps of the Government, which are against the "people's interests," or are a departure from the Common Minimum Programme. The clear message is that the party and the Left are not supporting the Government for continuing with the same "discredited policies" of the previous Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance Government.

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