We are taking steps to recover lost ground: Prakash Karat

CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat, known as a reserved yet straight-talking politician, speaks to DNA on the Left and its role in today’s political set-up.

What is the way forward for the CPI(M) after this set of byelections?
The CPI(M) has a political programme which focuses on the defence of national sovereignty, people’s livelihood and presenting an alternative to neo-liberal economic policies. It further works to strengthen secularism and democracy in the country. Winning or losing seats in by-elections will not affect our political stand. If you are referring to the byelection results in Bengal and Kerala, our party is taking steps to recover ground. It will take some time.

What is the role of the Left in the current political set up?
The Left parties are the only force which can consistently fight the policies that cause great economic inequalities. The rich are becoming obscenely rich and policies are made for this narrow strata. The Left parties put forward alternative policies which keep in mind the vast masses of the rural poor and the urban poor. The Left is also the only force against the increasing grip of big business on politics and we will continue to work to present an alternative to the Congress and the BJP.

There has been talk of leadership change in West Bengal. Is that likely?
In our party, change of leadership is considered at the time of our party conferences held once in three years. We do not change leaders after very election. It is a political-organisational step taken when required.

How will the Maoist challenge be tackled by the CPI(M)?
The Maoists adhere to an outmoded ideology and a disruptive politics based on violence. They need to be countered politically, ideologically and their violence put down by administrative measures. In West Bengal since we are doing this, they are targeting and killing CPI(M) cadres and supporters in the border districts with Jharkhand. Already they have killed 70 of our comrades in the last five months. We will mobilise people and resist them.

What factors do you think helped the Congress do well in the polls?
The Congress has benefited from the disarray in the BJP. Further, it has gained due to the split in the opposition votes in some states. There is no substantial increase in
the Congress support base, though there is a trend of increased support among
Mu lims.