Bardhan discusses CPI-BJD poll tie-up with Naveen Patnaik

In a move aimed at forging a non-Congress, non-BJP alliance before the 2014 parliamentary elections, CPI leader A B Bardhan today held a preliminary discussion with ruling BJD leader and Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik.

Bardhan told reporters that detailed talks would be held soon for firming up a tie-up with the party in Odisha, about which he expressed every hope.

Describing the BJD supremo's response as positive, the veteran CPI leader said he had impressed upon Patnaik the need for efforts to form a non-Congress and non-BJP government at the Centre.

Bardhan quoted Patnaik as saying that since there was ample time before the elections, detailed discussion on a possible poll alliance between CPI and BJD could be held after a month or two.

"I think further discussion can be held towards the end of January or early February," he said.

Bardhan said he had told Patnaik that except Rajasthan, there was no Narendra Modi wave elsewhere in the recent Assembly polls.

"However, Patnaik corrected me and said there was no Modi's wave in Rajasthan either and BJP was able to capture power in the state because of people's anger against Congress," he said.

To a query, he said poll prospects of Congress would not change even if Rahul Gandhi is named its prime ministerial candidate as such a declaration would only be a "formality".

Similarly, it would not be smooth-sailing for BJP though it would get more seats than it won in last elections in view of anti-Congress mood of the people, he said and claimed that BJP may manage 140 to 150 seats in Lok Sabha despite the hype created by many.

Dismissing suggestions that a Narendra Modi wave was sweeping in the country, Bardhan said hype has been created through a systematic campaign by big corporate houses, business outfits and capitalist forces who are spending crores of rupees in a bid to push the Gujarat Chief Minister.

Maintaining that it is not Rahul vs Modi in next Lok Sabha elections as perceived by many, he said there is a wide choice before people.