Taking a dig at the equidistance theory espoused by the Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) of Sharad Pawar, the CPI leader said, "The policy of equal distance from the Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party cannot be sustainable for the setting up of a Third Front." He gave the example of the non-aligned movement. "The policy of the non-aligned movement did not mean equal distance from the United States as well as the USSR."

It is to be noted that the All India Forward Block (AIFB) has decided to tie up with the NCP. There have been reports that the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), another Left Front ally, is also keen on joining Pawar's party.

Both the AIFB aswell as the RSP swear by Left unity; their difference with the CPI and the CPI(Marxist) pertains to the relationship with the Congress. The AIFB and the RSP insist on equal distance from the Congress and the BJP, while the CPM and the CPI say that the primary objective of the Left should be the defeat of the BJP.