GUWAHATI, Oct 23 - The Communist Party of India (Marxist) will not join the opposition �grand alliance� but will instead look to have �seat adjustments� with the proposed anti-BJP front in the 2021 Assam Assembly elections.
The CPI(M) is also getting ready to contest from at least nine constituencies in case efforts to reach seat adjustments with the grand alliance fail.
�We will not formally become a part of the grand alliance. Rather, we will try to go for seat adjustments with it,� secretary of CPI(M) Assam State Committee Deben Bhattacharyya told this newspaper.
He added, �Besides, if the grand alliance emerges victorious in the 2021 elections and forms the next government in the State, then we will not join the ministry.�
Bhattacharyya said his party has informed the Congress party about its decision to stay outside the grand alliance. He added that while the CPI(M) wants unity among all the anti-BJP forces, it has differences with the Congress and other opposition parties on certain issues.
�We share similar views on issues like communalism and the CAA. But we have serious differences with the Congress on matters like economic policy. Therefore, it is prudent for us not to formally become a constituent of the grand alliance. At the same time, we are keen on seat adjustments for the sake of preventing fragmentation of the anti-BJP votes,� said the veteran Marxist leader.
He said the CPI(M) is focusing primarily on nine constituencies � Sorbhog, Rangiya, Rangapara, Bijni, Sarukhetri, Jorhat, Sadiya, Patharkandi and Barama.
�If we can arrive at seat adjustments with the grand alliance, then there will definitely be some give-and-take. But if seat adjustment efforts fail, then we will contest from these nine constituencies on our own,� Bhattacharyya said.
Asked if the CPI(M) would join in the effort to frame a common minimum programme (CMP) with the grand alliance constituents, he replied in the negative.
