Monday, May 15 2006 15:53 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Hyderabad: After its success in the West Bengal and Kerala Assembly elections, Left parties will be more assertive on any deviation from the Common Minimum Programme by the UPA Government at the Centre, CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan said today (May 15, 2006).

"The assembly results have created a situation where we can be more assertive but at the same time we will not rock the UPA boat but continue our support," Bardhan told reporters here.

Asserting that the opposition to hike in oil prices will continue, Bardhan, who was here to participate in a workshop on local bodies, said, "Reduction of excise and customs duty can be a solution instead of increasing oil prices which would burden the common man."

On the two-year rule of UPA government, Bardhan said, "We are not happy with deviations from the CMP like the foreign policy which is pro-US. The policy should be independent in nature and what is needed is cordial relationship with all neighbours and friendship with all countries including US."

He expressed hope that the Parliament would consider Employment Guarantee Act with the proposed amendments on fixing minimum wage and Protection of Forests and Tribal Rights Act which aims at giving tribals their due rights.

On CPI's performance in the recently held polls, Bardhan said, "We have improved our position from seven to 17 in Keralaand made our entry in Pondicherry and Assam besides gaining good ground in Tamil Nadu."

On quota hike in central educational institutions, he said that an all party meeting was in favour of reservation and CPI stands by it.