CPI (M) says Mayawati can be a PM candidate

Kolkata, Oct 14 : CPI (M) general secretary Prakash Karat today said that Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Mayawati could be a prime ministerial candidate of a non-Congress and non-BJP alliance at the Centre depending on the outcome of the Lok Sabha elections.

"BSP is an important party and the ruling party in UP. We expect them to do well in Lok Sabha elections and therefore the leader of the BSP is going to be one of the people who I think will be considered," Karat told reporters here.

Karat, who was briefing the media after the conclusion of the three-day central committee meeting of the CPI (M), was asked whether the CPM would favour Mayawati as a prime ministerial candidate.

He, however, said "I think it is an issue which we will take at that time ... Our position is that we are working for a non-Congress and non-BJP dispensation at the Centre."

Karat said the central committee discussed the political situation in view of the forthcoming assembly elections in six states and the subsequent Lok Sabha poll.

The central committee discussed specific electoral tactics to be pursued in various states and gave direction for election preparations, he said.

ANI