CPI to contest against Congress in Panchayat poll

Hyderabad, May 17 (UNI) Communist Party of India (CPI) state secretary K Narayana today said the party, a coalition partner in the Congress led state government, would field its candidates against the ruling Congress in the ensuing Panchayat elections scheduled to be held in July.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr Narayana said the CPI wanted to strengthen its cadre and would field candidates against Congress in its party strong holds.

Saying there was an alliance with the Congress in local body elections at state level, he said the party would support Congress and participate in election campaign where the party way not fielding its own candidates.

To a query, Mr Narayana said the opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) leaders were also consulting the district party units to have an understanding with the CPI in the elections.

UNI AP JJ VD RN1447