CPI(M)’s fear brings Cong cheer

KOLKATA: The possibility of the Left and BJP voting together against the UPA government in parliament has the communists writhing in worry and the Congress rubbing its hands in glee.

Left-Muslim ties are going through a rough phase. The fallout of the Sachar Committee report on the living conditions of Muslims in Bengal, controversy over the suicide of graphic designer Rizwanur Rahman and violence in Kolkata over Taslima Nasreen have been reflected in the panchayat elections.

Now, the Left, which will be forced to vote with the BJP against the government in a trust vote, is worried about its fallout. CPI(M) state secretariat member and state transport minister Subhash Chakrabarty said on Monday: “We are bound to confront uncomfortable questions.” The state Congress was upbeat. Senior MLA Manas Bhuyian said minorities “will see how the so-called secular Left joins hands with the BJP”.
r_sumanta@dnaindia.net