CPI, CPI(M) to launch issue-based joint agitations in AP

Hyderabad, June 9 (UNI) After drawing a blank in the just-concluded byelections in Andhra Pradesh, the CPI and CPI(M) have decided to strengthen themselves before the 2009 general elections in the State and fight together on some issues.

Addressing the Press here, CPI State Secretary K Narayana said ''the CPI and CPI(M) held discussions to fight together on issues related to public interest. The two parties wanted to fight alone on some issues and unitedly on broader issues in future.'' Admitting that some differences had cropped up between the two Left parties during the bypolls when the CPI(M) forged alliance with the TDP while the CPI contested alone, Mr Narayana said his party would organise 'land struggle' from June 12 in the State, demanding that the Government distribute surplus land to the poor.

The party would hold discussions with the CPI(M) again on June 14 to finalise the issues on which the two parties would fight unitedly and how to strengthen the Left parties in the State, he said, adding that the CPI would organise a campaign against the Government by holding a public meeting in protest against the setting up of 'Coastal Corridor' from Itchapuram to Tada in Nellore district.

The CPI leader alleged that the Government had forcefully acquired lands from farmers to set up the Corridor.

UNI AP VA GD AKJ KP1610