People's Democracy

The non-Congress, non-BJP parties are to meet in New Delhi on May 18 to take stock of the election results and decide on government formation in mutual consultation. The BSP would also be taking part in this meeting.

This was decided after consultations among the leaders of AIADMK, TDP, Biju Janata Dal, Janata Dal (Secular) and BSP. The meeting will explore all avenues for the formation of an alternative secular government.

CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat made this announcement to media persons today at AKG Bhavan. He also announced that a meeting of the Left Front would be held on May 17 to take stock of the results. The Polit Bureau of the CPI(M) would meet on May 18, followed by Central Committee on May 19 and 20 to take a view on these issues.

Referring to rumours about disarray in third front, particularly about likely desertion of TDP, Karat said it was Chandrababu Naidu who has asked him to convey about the decision of holding of the meeting of non-Congress non-BJP parties. Karat debunked these reports saying Naidu is the main mover of the third front.

Asked about JD(S) leader Kumaraswamy meeting Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Karat said Deve Gowda has clarified that they continue to remain in third front. On TRS attending NDA rally in Ludhiana, he said that they seem to have found a new home.

(INN)