CPI plays down withdrawal threat, CPI (M) too

The Left parties marriage, honeymoon and divorce remark vis-�-vis its relations with the ruling UPA government at the Centre today took a backseat with both CPI (M) and CPI toning their ante against the coalition over the Indo-US nuclear deal.

New Delhi, Aug 17: The Left parties' "marriage, honeymoon and divorce" remark vis-�-vis its relations with the ruling UPA government at the Centre today took a backseat with both CPI (M) and CPI toning their ante against the coalition over the Indo-US nuclear deal.

CPI leader A B Bardhan, who on Friday said that 'honeymoon with the UPA is over' leading to speculations that the party would withdraw their crucial support to the Congress-led coalition today said that the 'redefining' of the relationship would mean that the party would give 'merit-based' support.

Elaborating the 'merit-based support', CPI leader said, "The support can no longer be taken for granted," throwing hints that the government has to consult Left parties on all major issues before taking decision.

"The sort of outside support the Left parties give to the government has to be redefined," Bardhan said, adding that a critical review of the performance of the UPA government will be taken up after the debate on the contentious nuclear deal in the Parliament next week.

The CPI held a marathon meeting here today to chalk out the party's strategy in the coming months and the stand it will take on the nuclear deal in the Parliament, the debate on which will take place on Monday in the Parliament.

Meanwhile, CPI (M) general secretary Prakash Karat, who was the first to issue the 'political price' threat to the government on the nuclear deal, today said, "The honeymoon may be over but the marriage can go on."

The two-day politburo meeting of the CPI (M) beginning today is expected chalk out opposition against the government's economic and foreign policies.

ANI