Left ready for alliance with Cong

A day before Communist Party of India (Marxist) leaders are to hold a crucial state committee meeting, the party on Thursday managed to get on board all its partners for a proposed alliance with the Congress in West Bengal.

The CPM’s proposal received formal ratification from the Left Front as all the allies came together to put the seal of approval. Making the announcement of their willingness to discuss the issue of an electoral alliance with Congress, Left Front chairman Biman Bose said the decision was unanimously taken at Thursday’s meeting, where all 11 partners were present.

“We’re open to discussing the idea with Congress. We see no harm in that, but they (Congress) have to take the first step forward,” he said.