West Bengal: Communist to discuss third front

{image-CPI M_14012008.jpg news.oneindia.in}Kolkata, Jan 14: The 22nd West Bengal State Party conference of the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) began here today. Key issues like formation of a third alternative to the Congress and the BJP, land acquisition for industrial projects, unity of the Left forces are likely to dominate the conference. The conference began with the hoisting of red flag at Girish Park, by former Chief Minister and veteran CPI-M leader, Jyoti Basu, in the presence of party General Secretary Prakash Karat. Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, politburo member Sitaram Yechury, S R Pillai and Biman Bose were also present at the venue. The open session of the conference was held at the Brigade Parade ground here on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Left has opposed any increase in fuel prices and asked the Centre to remove the ad valorem surcharges on petroleum products.
Both Yechuri and CPI member Gurudas Dasgupta denied having agreed to any suggestion of Petroleum Minister Murli Deora on hiking the petrol prices. “We oppose any increase in prices," Yechury said.

ANI