HYDERABAD: Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary Prakash Karat has said that the call to other political parties, including the Telugu Desam, to join the party's agitations is aimed at a joint action on agreed issues.

The party is in favour of evolving a common understanding among parties that are opposed to policies regarding liberalisation, industry and WTO conditions based on which a third alternative could be forged. "The party has not set any time table for forming the third alternative," he said.

Speaking to reporters after the conclusion of the party's three-day central committee meeting here on Saturday, Mr. Karat said, "We want the non-Congress, non-BJP parties to come together not just for fighting elections. But, they should come on to a platform with common understanding," he said.

The support sought from these parties was issue based and the question of a joint movement did not amount to constituting the third alternative.

"Let there be a realignment at the national level and Andhra Pradesh will follow," he said when asked about the party's relations with the TDP. The TDP was asked to join the stir against the hike in petrol prices and "there may be number of issues in the coming days on which more joint action could be launched."

The CPI (M) would launch a national political campaign in August when the party's policies would be taken to the people. The campaign would focus on combating communal forces and would propagate economic policies and measures that the party advocates.

The right to education, end to caste oppression and provision of one-third reservation for women in Parliament and State legislatures would be among the other demands that would be highlighted during the campaign.

Commencing at the local level, the campaign would culminate into public meetings in over 200 centres across the country. They would be addressed by the party's central leaders.

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