Left parties to work towards formation of a 'third alternative'

New Delhi, Jan 20 : General Secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxists), Prakash Karat, today said that the Left parties would work towards the formation of a 'third alternative' to the Congress and the BJP led combinations.

Speaking at a news conference, Karat said that he did not agree with the policies pursued either by the Congress or the BJP.

"While we strengthen our party, we also want to gather forces around us who can present a third alternative. We have argued earlier also in our last resolution that we do not want a situation where there is a Congress-led combination or a BJP led combination," Karat said.

Releasing the draft political resolution of the CPI (M), Karat said that the agenda of discussion included both national as well as international issues.

Karat emphasised the Left parties need to come together and form an understanding that is independent from the policies of the BJP and the Congress.

"Left parties and the CPI (M) have a responsibility to initiate the process of formation of a third alternative and such a third alternative should not be reduced to a mere electoral alliance," said Karat.

Karat also said that the performance of the ruling Congress-led United Progressive Alliance has proved to be an eye opener for the common man.

ANI