The CPI(M) is unlikely to join the grand alliance of the JD(U), RJD and Congress in Bihar owing to differences with the Congress.

CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury told reporters after a meeting of his party’s central committee here on Monday that an alliance of the CPI, CPI(M) and the CPI (ML) is on the cards in the State. He added that a final decision has not been taken and the party is keenly watching the situation in the State.

“What we have decided is that strengthening of the Left is only strengthening a force against communal forces. Left has been the most consistent and will remain the most consistent and strong anti-communal force in the country. So, this is our decision taken along with other Left parties some time ago,” he said.

Yechury added that the CPI(M) will hold discussions with other Left parties, note the developments and take decisions accordingly.

He welcomed the alliance between the RJD and JD(U) and said the coming together of the two parties will be good for the fight against communal forces.

A source in the CPI(M) said that in constituencies where the Left parties are not contesting, they will support the non-Congress secular parties.

Yechury has been holding the Congress responsible for the growth of communal politics and the subsequent victory of the BJP in the Lok Sabha elections. “The only door we have kept open is for Left unity. Let the journey begin from this door first. Our target is communist forces should contest the polls together,” he said.

He also announced the CPI(M)’s decision to hold nationwide protests on rural and agrarian issues from August 1 to 14.

“This campaign fortnight, apart from struggles on the burning local issues, will highlight the drastic cuts in MNREGA allocation, and the undermining of the food security commitments by the Centre,” he said.

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