CPI presses Karat for a patch-up after RSP quits LDF in Kerala

Worried over RSP quitting the Left Democratic Front in Kerala ahead of Lok Sabha polls, CPI today asked major partner CPI(M) to show "accommodation" to ensure that there is no break in the alliance.

In a letter to Prakash Karat, CPI general secretary S Sudhakar Reddy said the rift between RSP and CPI(M) in Kerala which led to RSP walking out of LDF and "deciding to contest in Kollam constituency with the the support UDF is matter of serious concern".

"We will find it difficult to explain it not only at the state level but also at national level. We hope that resourcefulness in accommodation is shown to keep the LDF intact and break does not take place," he said.

Reddy, in his letter to CPI (M) general secretary, sought "all efforts" to bring back RSP into LDF.

Despite being a key partner of the Left for long in the state and at the national level, RSP dealt a severe blow to CPI(M) when it decided to quit LDF yesterday and put up its candidate in Kollam seat.

The simmering discontent in the RSP over denial of Kollam seat by the lead partner reached a flashpoint yesterday, with the party's state unit firming up its plan to put up former MP N K Premachandran, where the CPI(M) is planning to field polit bureau member M A Baby.

RSP has not only pulled out of the LDF but also made it clear that it would not be averse for a tie up with the Congress-led UDF if it supports its contestant in Kollam.

The development also came as a setback to the CPI(M)'s status as the undisputed leader of a "strong and united Left" in the country.

Though RSP's strength is confined to isolated pockets in south Kerala, its breaking out of the LDF could come as a potent weapon for Congress-led UDF in the campaign in the entire state.