HYDERABAD, July 20: No internal conflict would lead to the collapse of the United Front (UF) government at Centre, excepting of course, the withdrawal of support by Congress, said CPM Politburo member Sitaram Yechury here today.

Addressing a media conference, he said that internal squabbles were inevitable in a coalition government which could be overcome.

But the unpredictable nature of Congress party posed a threat to the existence of the UF Government, he said. Congress had gone back on its assurance once and there is no guarantee that it would not do so once again.

``We are telling people that we never know what Congress will do. In the present scenario mid-term poll will not be in the interest of Congress either,'' he said.

He said that CPM has launched a nation wide mass contact programme from July 15 urging the UF government to implement what it promised under the Common Minimum Programme. ``We want the UF to become stronger and last its full term. And our programme will be a reminder to UF to strengthen its links with people.''

Replying to a specific question he said that all decisions taken by the Central Cabinet do not figure on the agenda of the UF steering committee. ``We at the steering committee discuss the political outlook of the UF,'' he said.

On CPM's insistence on the stepping down of Bihar Chief Minister Laloo Prasad Yadav, he said that, S R Bommai was removed from the party president's post when his name figured in the hawala case. The same standards have to be applied now also.

On acceptance of the recommendations of the Fifth Pay Commission, he said that the suggestions made by the Central federation of employees were not taken into account. With the acceptance the disparities between the Class I employees and others would be further widened.

Referring to the proposed hike in petrol prices, he said that finance ministry had assured that it would take care of Rs 19,000 crore out of Rs 24,500 crore oil pool deficit. The prices have to be increased so as to cover the remaining Rs 5,500, the CPM leader said.

If the natural gas prices are rationalised the hike may be avoided, he said.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.