KOCHI: Communist Party of India general secretary A.B. Bardhan on Tuesday warned the UPA Government not to take the Left for granted. "We are continuing with our support, but things can't go on like this," he told a press conference here.

Mr. Bardhan said the UPA Government was notheeding most suggestions by the Left. "We had submitted 19 notes [written proposals] on various issues. This shows how serious we are." He said the Left's deep concern and frustration over economic and foreign policies were conveyed at the UPA-Left coordination committee meeting held in New Delhi on Monday.

On whether this was the beginning of the end of the UPA-Left alliance, he said: "We don't think the end is in sight." Hinting at a united forum to take up various issues, he said that "we are approaching other parties except the BJP." He mentioned the Samajwadi Party, the Telugu Desam Party, the Janata Dal (Secular) and the Janata Dal (United) led by Sharad Yadav.

Depends on rule

Mr. Bardhan said the Left was supporting the Government as it did not want a "communal government" as an alternative. Asked whether the UPA Government would complete its full term, he said it would depend on how they rule.

Asked about the possibility of forming a third front, he said there were no talks on forming such a front at present, adding that the idea had been floated several years ago. Mr. Bardhan said retail traders were convening a national meeting on February 17 in which the CPI would participate. "If the retailers take any action, the Government will be responsible," he said.

No discussion

There had been a consensus on foreign policy since Nehru's period, but hardly any foreign policy was discussed in Parliament these days, he said. The nuclear agreement with the U.S. enables the Americans to blackmail India on several issues. "The U.S. is extracting a heavy price from us," he said. He questioned the plan for setting up a fast breeder reactor in civilian areas under U.S. supervision.

Demanding the recall of the U.S. Ambassador David C. Mulford, he alleged that "he [the Amabassador] is dictating terms as if he is the Viceroy." Mr. Bardhan referred to Mr. Mulford's letter to the West Bengal Chief Minister threatening to cut off economic aid to that State for having criticised the U.S. President.

On the Iran nuclear issue, he regretted that "we are not giving them [Iran] a chance."

Where is the time for diplomacy, he asked. He demanded that the whole issue be discussed in Parliament. How can an agreement [the nuclear deal with the U.S.] be signed without Parliament's ratification, he asked.

Mr. Bardhan said the Left should be consulted before finalising the deal for ADB aid to local bodies in Kerala.

On the apparent differences of opinion between CPI leader Veliyam Bhargavan and CPI (M) leader Pinarayi Vijayan over the alleged extravagance in organising CPI (M) rallies, he said Mr. Veliyam was capable of handling the issue. He also evaded a question on the DIC (K) ties with the Left, saying he had answered the question on an earlier occasion.

Mr. Bardhan later left for Cherthala, where a building in memory of CPI leader Kumara Panicker was to be inaugurated.

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