CPI fields 50 candidates forassembly polls

New Delhi, Jan 29 (UNI) The CPI has fielded as many as 50 candidates for the forthcoming assembly polls in Punjab, Uttarakhand and Manipur on the basis of a major understanding with other Left parties, including the CPI(M).

The CPI has fielded as many as 25 candidates for Punjab, four for Uttarakhand and 21 for Manipur, CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan told UNI here today.

Mr Bardhan claimed that in Punjab the CPI, the CPI(M) and the Lok Bhalai Party (LBP), which is led by former MP Balwant Singh Ramuwalia, have reached a ''perfect understanding'' and they all would contest for 48 seats.

CPI National Secretary Shamim Faizi, who is party inchage of Punjab affairs, said these parties have decided to consider local seat adjustments with parties like the BSP, Janta Dal (S), RSP and Forward Bloc.

''But these parties will have no truck with any faction of the Akali Dal,'' Mr Faizi said adding that while the CPI(M) is to contest in 25 constituencies, the LBP would field candidates in ten seats.

In Uttarakhand, the CPI had fielded four candidates, the CPI leaders said adding that the CPI(M) and the Uttrakhand Kranti Dal are supporting their party candidates.

Though the CPI and the Congress share power in Manipur, both the parties have decided to contest separately this time. The CPI has five MLAs in the 60-member assembly and has fielded as many as 21 candidates with a view to double its strength in the assembly, Mr Faizi said.

The CPI(M), which has negligible presence there, is contesting from only one seat while the Congress is making efforts to have understanding with the Manipur People's Party. The NCP and the Samata party are contesting separately.

UNI