Tuesday, January 25 2005 15:39 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Udupi: CPM (Communist Party of India-Marxist), politburo member Sitaram Yechuri said that, for the first time, the people have bestowed on the Left parties the power of installing and controlling a "secular Government" at the Centre.

Addressing a public meeting in Udupi yesterday (Jan 24, 2005) at the end of the 18th party State conference, he said that people had recognised "our role in fighting against the economic policies harming the interests of the common man and the country". The verdict of the last general elections had once again proved the relevance of socialism and rejected communalism.

Yechuri said that the Congress led UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government at the Centre would be safe as long as they continue to implement the promises made in the Common Minimum Programme.

He said that the UPA Government was compelled to give up the anti-people policies of the erstwhile NDA (National Democratic Alliance) Government and introduce the people friendly policies directed by the Left parties.

Speaking about the left influence on the functioning of the Government, he said his party would see that the Government would implement the policies that help redress the general problems like poverty and unemployment.