CPI not to join hands with Cong in assembly polls

Jalandhar, Apr 13 (UNI) The Communist Party of India (CPI) will not join hands with ruling Congress or the opposition Akali Dal=BJP combine for the next assembly elections in Punjab and will continue to work for unity among all Leftists and other secular groups.

Talking to reporters here today, party state secretary Jagrup Singh said that although CPI had contested last assembly election in the state jointly with the Congress, in view of several policy based differences and approach the party would not have any truck with the ruling party for the next elections due to be held in the state by February next year.

He said that this consensus was emerged at the party state council meeting in Chandigarh on April 10 and 11 last.

He said that both Congress and the opposition SAD=BJP combine are indulging in anti- people approach and are busy in issueless power oriented politics.

He said that his party had been making sincere efforts in bringing all leftist groups and other friendly secular groups nearer for evolving a responsive and reliable aleternative to Congress and SAD=BJP combine in the state.

Mr Singh said that the state council of the party also decided to intensify the ongoing struggle for the cause of farmers, labourers and other toiling masses of the state.

The state council had also decided to continue ongoing agitation in protest against the pro WTO and pro privatisation policies of the government.

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