Left to continue supporting UPA despite differences

Kolkata, July 7 (UNI) Despite differences over economic and foreign issues, the Left parties still wanted the UPA government to run for full five years, veteran CPI(M) leader Jyoti Basu today said.

''We want that this government runs continuously for five years,'' he told reporters after attending the party's state secretariat meeting.

He was replying to a question, whether the Congress-led coalition government at the Centre would remain stable in the face of opposition from the supporting Left parties and even partners like DMK on several issues, including the proposal for disinvestment of NALCO and Nayville Lignite.

Indicating that they were pinning hope on Sonia Gandhi, for intervening into the alleged deviation of CMP, Mr Basu said the Left parties have aired their grievances to her and are awaiting a response.

''Sonia Gandhi has taken a renewed initiative. We talked to her in Delhi and voiced our point of view,'' he said.

Mr Basu's comment comes a day after the government shelved the decision to offload 10 per cent stake in public sector units like NALCO and Nayvili Lignite corporation following strong protests from Left parties and DMK.

UNI KDG BA VA KN1335