Taking a U-Turn from the CPM’s earlier stand of not supporting a Congress-led government at the Centre, politburo member Sitaram Yechury said the party will decide about the issue only after elections.

“The post-election scenario we will decide only after the elections. Right now our objective is the third alternative. However, we do not think the need to support a Congress-led government will arise,” Yechury told media in Kolkata on Monday.

CPM general secretary Prakash Karat had recently categorically ruled out support to a Congress-led government. Asked about Karat’s comments, Yechury said: “I do not know in what context he had said this. We will meet and decide what happens after the elections.”

Regarding the statement of several Congress leaders, including the Prime Minister, about the possibility of Congress getting the Left support in forming the government, Yechury said it indicates that they are accepting that the UPA is not coming back to power. Asked if the Left was approached to support a Congress-led coalition minus Manmohan Singh as the Prime Minister, he said they were not concerned about individuals, but issues.

Yechury also criticised both the Congress and BJP for their stand on terrorism and said an alternative policy is required to fight terrorism. “Both Congress and BJP express concern only after the terrorist acts. While Congress came out with the Federal Investigation Agency Bill after Mumbai attacks, the BJP brought the POTA after terror activities. Important, however, is to prevent such terror activities from taking place and the two parties are not thinking on these lines,” he said.

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