CPI(M) conference stresses on third alternative at national level

Kolkata, Jan 14 (UNI) Amid a move towards formation of a third alternative at the national level and a policy direction for industrialisation, the 22nd West Bengal state conference of the CPI(M) began here today.

About 900 delegates, including party General Secretary Prakash Karat, veteran leader Jyoti Basu, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and several other Polit Bureau members were attending the four-day conference.

Delivering the inaugural speech, Mr Karat alleged that a combined attack against the CPI(M) was being carried out by both rightist and ultra left forces in West Bengal as a result of the party's opposition to US imperialism and the indiscriminate liberalisation of economy.

'' Though this attack is centred in West Bengal, it is actually an attack on the party at the national level, '' he said.

Mr Karat said the Left parties fighting the India-US strategic partnership had created such a situation that the UPA Government would not be able to finalise the nuclear agreement without their consent.

He alleged that the US interference into the Indian foreign, Defence and economic policies was on the rise and the Left forces were continuing a sustained struggle against this danger.

UNI KDG-AKM SJC NC RS2114