‘2019 will either be like 2004 or 1996’
on social groupings. That is why we decided in the last party congress that we would take up, strongly, both the issues of economic exploitation and social oppression. We concluded that our support base, our capacity had declined and we have to not only regain it but expand. is landlocked with limited connectivity. So, meeting the growing aspirations of the young generation of Tripura also became a big challenge. In 2004, the CPI(M), with 61 MPS, gave issue-based support to the UPA to keep the BJP out of power. But of those 61 seats, remember we won 57 by defeating Congress candidates.
Our entire focus is on alternative policies, not on alternative leadership. Also, politics is not arithmetic. Here 2+2 can be
22 or even a big zero. What is required is a policy platform.
There is no doubt that the task is to remove the BJP from power. But there can’t be any pan-indian, broad, pre-poll front against the BJP. I think, regionally, in different states, there would be different calculations to achieve this task. We will fight against the BJP in places where we are strong. But overall, our party will discuss in the upcoming party congress on appropriate electoral tactics to maximise votes for the anti-bjp forces. differences on how to get there but we are united. It is a little early. There is no doubt that within Congress, for long, there has been a left-of-centre line. Remember the right to employment, information, education, food was passed under them — but of course because of our pressure.
At the same time, Congress also followed neo-liberal economic policies. During UPA, 49% of the country’s wealth belonged to 1% of Indian population.
I told Dr Manmohan Singh —
Sir you have created two Indias. Now, of course, the situation is worse. 73% of wealth is in the hands of that 1%. Given the heterogeneity of Indian politics, it would be difficult to say now who will lead a non-bjp coalition if it comes to power.
I believe 2019 election will be either the 2004 — when regional parties supported the Congress — or the 1996 situation, when the Congress supported a united front government.