Gulf between CPI(M) & RSP, FB inceases: report

In a clear sign of the growing distance between the CPI (M) and its smaller allies, the party?s draft political structure report has asserted that both the RSP and the Forward Bloc should be fought ??politically and organisationally.??

These parties, which have been consistently opposing the CPI(M)?s stand on several issues, had proved to be an embarrassment for it by openly criticising the latter?s policies on Nandigram. The RSP had refused to toe the CPI(M)?s line on SEZs and had said that no SEZs should be allowed in the country, while the Big brother favoured proper rehabilitation for SEZ oustees.

The CPI(M) document said that after the Nandigram issue there was a confusion and misgivings among Left-minded intellectuals and supporters. ??The stand of the RSS and Forward Bloc on a number of issues need to be countered politically and ideologically,?? the draft report accessed by FE said.

It also notes that the RSP, Forward Bloc and the CPI had taken a ?different stand? after the opposition parties started agitation against the CPI(M). The party, however, said that it is keen to settle the issue with the Left Front partners.

??After the opposition conduced an agitation on the land acquisition for the Singur project and later when the violent opposition in Nandigram developed the FB, the RSP and the CPI began taking a different stand. The FB and the RSP openly pulled up the West Bengal government. With the March 14 firing these issues became more acute,?? the report said.

The RSP and the FB, however, said that the CPI(M) is distorting facts on both the issues. “On these issues, the CPI(M) deviated from the Left parties? suggestions to the Centre on the SEZs and land acquisition for SEZs. The left?s demand that no agricultural land should be acquired was not heed in Singur and Nandigram. We also did not understand the need to acquire land in thousands of acres,?? FB secretary G Devarajan told FE. He added that his party is already opposing the CPI(M) ideologically and is ready to ?oppose it politically? also.

RSP general secretary TJ Chandrachoodan termed the reference ?unfortunate? and said that those were factually incorrect. ??Yes, there are differences between us and the CPI(M) on the issue of SEZs,?? he said adding that his party would respond to the criticism only after reading the document.