CPI to contest 17 seats in U.P.

Special Correspondent

Talks with Congress, Rashtriya Lok Dal on: Bardhan

Bid to prevent BJP, SP from coming to power Law and order has deteriorated in State

NEW DELHI: The Communist Party of India announced on Saturday that it would contest 17 seats in the April-May elections in Uttar Pradesh. The party said its objective was to unseat the Mulayam Singh Government and prevent the Bharatiya Janata Party from coming to power.

"For achieving these objectives, the CPI has formed an alliance with several parties and groups," party general secretary A.B. Bardhan said at a press conference at the end of the party’s two-day national executive here.

The Jan Morcha-CPI alliance had initiated talks with the Congress and the Rashtriya Lok Dal, Mr. Bardhan said.

It is understood that Raj Babbar, who is spearheading the Jan Morcha campaign, held a meeting with Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi, who is working out the Congress’ strategy in the State.

List of seats

The 17 seats that the CPI would contest are Sarwan Khera, Aurayya, Orai, Hathras, Amroha, Badaun, Colnelgunj, Nagar East, Kishunpur, Gazipur, Zakhania, Kolasala, Bikapur, Phoolpur, Lalgunj, Mohmadabad Gohna and Rasra.

Mr. Bardhan said there was a possibility of his party contesting more seats. Asked if the CPI-Jan Morcha would support the Bahujan Samaj Party, which is opposed to the Samajwadi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party, he did not rule it out.

According to the CPI, the law and order situation in the State had deteriorated under SP rule; the communal tension in Gorkahpur was a case in point. "In addition, this regime is being used by a coterie of big business houses to grab fertile land."

Telangana issue

In another development, the national executive also decided to adopt the Andhra Pradesh State Council stand on the issue of a separate Telangana.

Mr. Bardhan said the movement had developed to such an extent where the overwhelming majority of the people were for a separate State.

"Even the Common Minimum Programme talks of the Telengana demand being considered at an appropriate time. We are of the view that this cannot be used to delay indefinitely the demand. If consensus is to reached, we will not stand in the way," he said.