Bengal,Kerala victory to increase left influence in other states

Agartala, May 16 (UNI) Veteran communist leader and CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Jyoti Basu has said the electoral victories in West Bengal and Kerala would increase the importance of the left parties in national politics.

''We have to go a long way. We are still weak in other states and we have to intensify our political struggle to protect the interests of the common people of the country,'' Mr Basu said in an interview to 'Daily Desher Katha', the mouthpiece of the CPI(M), Tripura unit.

The former West Bengal chief minister said the left parties would create continuous pressure on the UPA Government at the Centre for proper implementation of the Common Minimum Programme. ''If the UPA does not listen to us we have to intensify our struggle both inside and outside Parliament,'' he observed.

Mr Basu also called upon the left parties to continue relentless battle against the communal forces and said the increase in the strength of such forces would only endanger the country's unity and integrity.

Referring to the five-phase Assembly elections in West Bengal, the veteran leader said the Election Commission became 'very active' this time following continuous complains from the opposition parties and a section of the media regarding 'scientific rigging' by the Left Front.

''By spreading canards against the Left Front these parties had actually insulted the people of the state. The people have given them a befitting reply,'' Mr Basu remarked.

He said the huge victory had further increased the responsibility of the Left Front. ''We have to fulfil our promises and give priority to the development of agriculture, industry and urban and rural areas, generation of employment and uplift of those living below the poverty line,'' he said.

Mr Basu said he wanted to see the installation of the seventh Left Front government in the state. ''I am 92 and I am not well. My wish has been fulfilled. Our former state party secretary Anil Biswas told me that the Front would get more votes and seats this time. Honestly we did not expect such a huge victory. But unfortunately Anil is not there to savour the victory,'' he added.

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