CPI(M)-CPI tussle in Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram, Dec 6 (UNI) A wordly duel has errupted between the two Communist Parties in the ruling Left Democratic Front (LDF) in Kerala with the Communist Party of India hitting out at the CPI(M) for its 'big brother attitude' and the later retorting it in strong words.

Lambasting the CPI for its open statement that unilateral decisions were being taken without consulting any other alliance partners, the CPI(M) today said the CPI had flouted the coalition principle.

''If there was any difference of opinion, the CPI should have discussed at the LDF meeting,'' a party statement said.

On CPI state secretary Veliyam Bhargavan's statement that the Marxist party was ignoring its partners when taking major decisions, the CPI(M) said there was no need for raising such issues as there was no lapse on the part of the government. It was not clear why Mr Bhargavan was making such open statements, and for whom he was talking, the statement noted.

Mr Bhargavan yesterday accused the CPI(M) of taking unilateral decisions. He had also said that the CPI(M) should change its mode of functioning or the LDF's unity would be in danger. He even said that the CPI would consider launching a campaign against the CPI(M) if it failed to change its policy.

For the last two weeks, the two communist parties have been engaged in a verbal duel accusing each other. It was reported that there was confusion over the appointment of the Vice Chancellor of the Kerala Agricultural University. While the university falls under the purview of Agriculture Minister Mullakkara Ratnakaran, who is from the CPI, it was reported that Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan had apparently been saying that he would have a final say on who would be the new vice chancellor.

There are also reports that CPI ministers are critical of the manner in which the Advocate General informed the Kerala High Court last month that there was no need for a CBI probe into the SNC Lavlin issue.

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