CPI to back secular Govt in UP: D Raja

Chennai, May 11 (UNI) The Communist Party of India (CPI) will extend outside support for the formation of a secular Government in Uttar Pradesh, according to party Secretary D Raja.

Talking to newspersons at the airport here late last night, he said the party wanted to ensure that a secular Government assumed office in that State.

On the ensuing Presidential election, he said the CPI was willing to field a woman candidate, but no concrete decision was taken on this. Within a couple of days, the party would take a decision, he added.

Mr Raja strongly condemned the attack on Tamil daily 'Dinakaran' office, which left three employees killed on Wednesday, allegedly by the supporters of Mr Azhagiri, the elder son of Chief Minister M Karunanidhi.

Party General Secretary A B Bardhan, who was also present, rued that the Centre was not initiating adequate welfare measures for the poor as notified in the Common Minimum Programme (CMP). He urged the Congress-led UPA to adhere to the CMP.

UNI