``We will join the Congress without leaving our Communist ideology, as is the case in South Africa, where the African Communist Party has an associate membership in the African National Congress of Nelson Mandela,'' Sen, who is here to attend the national executive of the UCPI which is being held to assess the post-poll scenario, said.

``We could be elected to the AICC. But it should be decided by the AICC delegates,'' he said.

As Sonia Gandhi is in the process of revamping the Congress Party which is in a bad shape, ideologically and organisationally, this is not the right time to consider the suggestion, he pointed out.

``At an appropriate time we will place the suggestion,'' he said, adding that he was of the firm belief that the move will do good both to the Congress and the UCPI. Sen said he was trying to convincethe allies of UCPI which include the CMP and the Orissa Communist Party on this issue.