Left parties against "tilt" towards U.S.

NEW DELHI: Criticising the Prime Minister for opening an "unwarranted and unjustified" war front against them, the Left parties have made it clear that they will continue to oppose the United Progressive Alliance Government’s "tilt" towards the U.S. and economic policies detrimental to the interests of the country.

The leaders of the CPI, the CPI (M) and the Forward Bloc emphasised that there was no harm in strengthening friendly ties with the U.S. but not as its junior partner in defence as the underdeveloped and developing countries looked to India for its role not only in Asia but also in world affairs.

U.S.’ aggressive role

CPI general secretary A.B. Bardhan said the U.S. was playing an "aggressive role" against many countries. "Therefore our point is that while India should develop friendly relations with the U.S. and also with several other big powers, it should not be an ally in America’s defence schemes."

`Support essential’

CPI (M) Polit Bureau member M. K. Pandhe said the Prime Minister had forgotten that the support of the Left parties for the UPA Government was essential for its survival.

Forward Bloc general secretary Debabrata Biswas said the Left parties were concerned that the Congress-led coalition was not following the foreign policy based on national consensus. - UNI