CALCUTTA, June 29: The CPI(M) is ready to offer issue-based support to a Congress government at the Centre in case such a situation arises, West Bengal Chief Minister and veteran party leader Jyoti Basu said here today.Talking to mediapersons at Writers' Buildings today, Basu said the CPI(M) central committee would discuss such an eventuality but was categorical that his party would support a Congress government from outside.His party was also prepared to give an undertaking to the President that it would not vote against a Congress government in the event of a confidence vote.
Although Basu talked of the CPI(M) Central Committee discussing such a scenario, he and other party leaders have unilaterally come forward offering help to the Congress in forming an alternative government at the Centre.First it was politburo member Sitaram Yechuri who offered help to the Congress, while speaking at a meeting in Purnea in Bihar in memory of the slain party MLA, Ajit Sarkar.
Basu has been dropping hints to thiseffect off and on. Yesterday, Central Committee member and strongman of the Bengal CPI(M), Anil Biswas, also talked of helping the Congress form the government in New Delhi. Like Basu, he also suggested that the party could simultaneously support the Congress and fight its economic policies.
Both Laloo and Mulayam called up Basu at his residence last week and sought his views on the emerging political scenario in New Delhi. According to the CPI(M) sources, Basu told them he would meet them and discuss the scene during his visit to New Delhi next month.
Copyright © 1998 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.
