CPI rules out forming third alternative before polls

There is no possibility of formation of a third alternative before the next elections, the CPI  has said.

The party said it would go for "state-specific" alliances with various political parties.

"I do not think it (third alternative) will come into existence so early. It is our longer perspective to build a third political alternative based on common struggles on people's issues," party general secretary A B Bardhan said at the "Meet the Press" organised by Andhra Pradesh Union of Working Journalists (APUWJ).

Whether the third alternative could become a reality before the 2009 elections, he said, "If it comes before elections, I will be happy. If not, we will go for state-specific alliances taking into account the political situation in the states."

On being asked whether his party's honeymoon with the UPA was over, the CPI leader said, "There never was a honeymoon. We have been extending conditional outside support to the government on the basis of Common Minimum Programme (CMP)."

On his recent breakfast meeting with UNPA convener and TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, which fuelled speculation over Third Front, Bardhan said, "There was no dialogue on electoral understanding. At the moment, we are focusing on common struggles on public issues like price rise and farmers' plight.'