Thursday, April 7 2005 12:06 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

New Delhi: In significant remarks, the Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPM), which provides outside support to Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government, yesterday (Apr 6, 2005) said that a third political alternative was "desirable" as the marxist party's disenchantment with the Centre's economic policies surfaced on the opening day of its Congress in New Delhi.

"Only a strong CPM can help create a viable third alternative. Such an alternative has to be based on a common policy platform and a willingness to conduct joint activities and struggle to achieve those aims," CPM general secretary Harkishan Singh Surjeet told the party Congress, which began in New Delhi.

He said, "A third alternative is desirable but it cannot be reduced to the concept of an electoral alliance."

Surjeet's speech was read out by CPM politburo member Prakash Karat who is widely tipped to take over as the party general secretary from the octogenarian leader.

Addressing the Congress, former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu asked Congress to "introspect" and asked, "Can it (Congress) continue with the same economic policies of indiscriminate liberalisation and privatisation. Will there be any difference between its policies and those of BJP?"

He said a development path should be founded on the basis of concern for the masses. "We must rely primarily on domestic resources. FDI should come in based on our national priorities and on the principle of mutual interest."

Surjeet said while the Left supported the UPA Government, "To meet the exigencies of the current situation, let me make it clear that there will no giving up on our basic agenda."