Merger with CPI not on CPI(M)'s agenda: Prakash Karat

CPI-M would work for closer co-ordination with CPI to strengthen the unity of Left forces in the prevailing political circumstances, Karat told reporters on the sidelines of a seminar organised in memory of veteran Marxist leader late EMS Namboodiripad.

On questions about his continuance as general secretary of the party despite the drubbing it received in the assembly polls in West Bengal and Kerala, Karat said it was the party which has to decide the matter.

"If the party desired so (continuance as general secretary), I will abide by that," he said.

Earlier inaugurating the seminar, Karat said Marxism had faced challenges during the last three decades both in theory and practice. Many of these challenges emanated out of the globalised finance capitalism, he said.

He said it was important to look at Marxism, in theory and practice, in "a new way" with an "authentic understanding" of its theories and their applications in the changed context.