New Delhi: The CPI(M) wants the Left parties and ''secular forces'' to work for a ''third alternative'' though it may not emerge overnight as the Congress and BJP had ''failed'' in finding a solution to people's problems.

The party also attacked UPA government's policies on agriculture saying this was the coalition's ''biggest failure'' since farmers' deaths continued unabated in the country.

''The(Third) alternative would not come overnight. Party workers should fight for the cause of the working class, social problems and expanding their strength and influence,'' CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat said inaugurating party's state-level conference on Tuesday.

The UPA government, instead of tackling the agrarian crisis, had aggravated it, resulting in increase in prices of essential commodities.

Moreover, it was forced to import wheat at double the cost it paid to farmers locally, he said, adding 1.5 lakh farmers had committed suicide between 1997 and 2005.

Karat said the Public Distribution System (PDS) had been dismantled in many states and the government had not ensured availability of essential commodities at a cheaper rate.

On the government's ''tall claim'' about the GDP increasing to nine per cent, he said it has only helped increase the number of billionaires from 26 to 48. ''In India the number of billionaires is growing fast. In fact, the nation accounts for the highest growth of billionaires,'' Karat said.

This kind of growth had resulted in the Congress losing power in Punjab, Uttarkand and Himachal Pradesh.

It had not benefited the poor, leading to discontent, which 'communal forces' like BJP had taken advantage of, he said.

 

Source : PTI