CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury elaborates on his thoughts over seat sharing in Tamil Nadu, his party’s position on the third front and the BJP, among others. Edited excerpts:
When will the CPI(M) conclude seat-sharing talks with the DMK for the Assembly election?
Well, talks are on. It is essentially on the number of seats that each one will contest. But I think it will be completed by tomorrow [Monday] or the day after.
DMK’s allies appear to have reluctantly settled for fewer seats, citing the need to fight the BJP. Is such a compromise necessary?
Well, this is not really a compromise because it is a political understanding that in today’s situation in the country, the paramount objective is to ensure that the BJP does not hold the reins of any government. [This is] because of the experience in the last six years of how they are destroying everything guaranteed by the Indian Constitution, including independent Constitutional authorities.
Beginning with Parliament…
