The Left parties and the BSP might have started working for a long-term alliance at the Centre, but that does not block the CPI(M) in strengthening its ?dalit base? in the country. It would be interesting to watch how the CPI(M)?s dalit conventions would affect its alliance with the BSP, which has a strong dalit base. The BSP, meanwhile, said that the CPI(M)?s move is just a last ditch effort of the party to protect its base among the dalits.
Inaugurating the convention, CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat said the neo-liberal economic policies of the Centre has taken a toll on the lives of majority of the dalits in the country. He pitched for thir reservation in private companies, an idea largely propagated by parties such as the BSP. ?After the Coimbatore congress of our party, we have decided to launch more agitations raising the issues of dalits and adivasis. The meeting held at Kochi was a big success. We will hold such meetings in various other states of the country,?CPI(M) central secretariat member Nilotpal Basu told FE .
?The CPI(M) is worried about the BSP?s growth even in states like Kerala. A lot of their disillusioned dalit cadres have joined us in Kerala. This might have forced them to hold such a convention,? BSP national treasurer Ambeth Rajan said. ?A solution for the problems of the dalits in the country could be found only through changing the neo-liberal economic policies,? a demand charter approved at the convention said.