Need of the hour to expand CPI(M) base in other states: Prakash Karat

The CPI(M) today said the electoral reverses in West Bengal and Kerala have made it imperative to expand its influence in other parts of the country, focus on building Left unity and project a Left and democratic alternative to counter the Congress and the BJP."In the current situation when the Left has suffered serious electoral reverses, and when West Bengal, the strongest base of the party is under attack, it is of utmost importance to expand the influence and the base of the party in other states," CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat told a press conference here.Releasing the draft political resolution for debate within the party two months ahead of the 20th Congress in April, he said the "central focus" now would be on strengthening the party and stepping up its independent role and activities.Karat said the fact that CPI(M) was contesting the assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh and Punjab independently pointed towards this political understanding the party has adopted now.On the question of unity within the Left parties, Karat acknowledged differences between the CPI(M) and the CPI on issues like Telangana or the problems of the erstwhile Left Front government in West Bengal.While the CPI supports the formation of Telangana, the CPI(M) does not. The CPI has been critical of the CPI(M) in the running of the Left Front and its defeat at the hustings. However, Karat made it clear that these have to be addressed in "a critical and fraternal manner so that it does not weaken the Left Front. The ferocious attack on the Left should be met with a collective resolve and by going to the people in a united way".