CPI to finalise 'tactics' for assembly polls

New Delhi, Jan 3 (UNI) The top leaderhip of the CPI, which begins delibrations in Kolkata tomorrow, will finalise ''tactics and preparation'' for the coming assembly polls in three states besides the land acquisition for SEZs, Sachar Committee Report and growing atrocities against Dalits.

''The CPI's 125-member National Council will basically discuss the tactics and planning for assembly polls in Punjab, Manipur and Uttaranchal, for which the schedule has already been announced,'' CPI National Secretary Shamim Faizi told UNI here.

Party General Secretary A B Bardhan has already reached Kolkata.

Incidentally, the CPI(M) Central Committee is also in session where the party is engaged in a similiar exercise.

Uttar Pradesh assembly polls, which are to be held before May, will also figure in the CPI's National Coucil three-day meet.

While the CPI has decided to align with the CPI(M) and the Lok Bhalai Party in Punjab, it will have adjustments with the CPI(M) in Uttaranchal as well.

In Uttar Pradesh, it has aligned with former Prime Minister V P Singh's Jan Morcha. The CPI(M) which had joined hands with the Samajwadi Party in 2004 general elections, may choose to go it alone this time, as reported in a section of the press.

The Left party will also assess the UPA government's performance that has completed half of its term, Mr Faizi said adding that consequently the party has to work out its tactics for the remaining two and half years of the term which ends in 2009.

Another important item on the agenda include the quesiton of industrial and land acquistion for setting up the SEZs. It will particularly consider the developments in Kalinganagar (Orissa), Bastar (Chhattisgarh), and Singur (West Bengal) where the Tatas are planning to acquire land for their steel and motor cars projects.

Mr Faizi said the CPI has worked out a rehabilitation plan not only for farmers whose land is being acquired but also for other affected people--the ''bataidars'' (share-croppers), agricultrual labourers, village artisans and small traders.

It would also consider the Sachar Committee report on the status of Muslims and growing atrocities against the weaker sections.

UNI