CPI(M) concerned over pro-American stand

By K.V. Prasad

NEW DELHI, JULY 18. The Communist Party of India (Marxist) would deliberate on the latest political situation in the country and also consider the revised reports submitted by its State committees on the Assembly elections held last May, at its two- day politburo meeting starting here on Saturday.

Concerned over the direction of the BJP-led NDA Government's policies on various fronts including domestic, foreign and economy, the CPI(M) would formulate the party's stand and draw up agitational programmes.

A prime area of concern is the ``growing proximity'' towards the U.S. which found reflection in the manner the NDA Government's support to the controversial National Missile Defence plan. A further indication of the trend was from the Government's plan for military cooperation with the U.S.

The CPI(M) expressed shock at the `alacrity' with which the Government endorsed the Bush administration's new strategic vision of `nuclear security' under the NMD. The policy confirmed that India was seeking to emerge as a U.S. ``surrogate''.

The meeting would also discuss the Agra summit. The CPI(M) expressed disappointment that New Delhi and Islamabad could not come to an agreement.

There was a need to carry on with the dialogue, the party said but it blamed the Government for lack of enough ``preparatory work''. It also did not agree with the Government's view that Pakistan did not facilitate efforts to prepare for the summit.

The politburo would discuss and finalise its reports on the outcome of the Assembly elections, particularly Kerala. At its central committee meeting after examining the report by the State committee, the Kerala committee was directed to conduct a detailed examination so that proper lessons could be drawn from the exercise.

Mr. Prakash Karat, politburo member, said the meeting would consider the revised report filed by the State units and prepare its assessment which would then be taken up by the central committee at its meeting here from August 11 to 13. The July 21- 22 meeting would also chalk out a preparatory programme for the party congress scheduled next March.

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Section  : National
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