Can cooperate with Congress on issues but no alliance: Sitaram Yechury

Kolkata: The CPI(M) is ready for issue-based cooperation with Congress but ruled out any alliance outside Parliament saying it will have "nothing to do" with a party which still follows neo-liberal policies.

"What we are saying is on specific issues we can unite with other political forces in Parliament and outside Parliament, against the policies being brought out by the Modi government. Outside Parliament, we went to the President along with the Congress on this land acquisition bill issue. On specific issues we are ready to cooperate with other political parties," he said.

"But when we say not outside Parliament means no front or alliance with any of the parties (Congress) that is being contemplated," Yechury said.

On being asked that when CPI(M) is willing to fight with Congress on specific issues then what is stopping it from forging alliance in fighting BJP, he said, "We are calling for uniting non-Congress secular parties. Why not Congress? Because it is the Congress that has brought these communal forces to power today.

"It is due to their (Congress') corruption, their economic policies that BJP has come to power today. Now as long as that party continues with those policies, those programs, which it is continuing, there is no question that we will have anything to do with that party." He accused the Modi government of being adamant and persistent in pushing the "anti-farmer" land bill.

When asked how long the Opposition's strategy of not allowing the bill to be either passed or get defeated in the Rajya Sabha work, Yechury said, "They should answer this question. Why are they amending a bill which they themselves supported in 2013? They supported this bill in 2013, the bill was passed, law was passed with BJP support. "Why are they are trying to bring in amendments today, why are they so persistent in bringing those amendments that you proclaim ordinance for the third time on the same issue, which is unprecedented?"

On the recent Lalit Modi controversy, he demanded a through inquiry into the issue. "We have demanded a thorough inquiry into the whole set of allegations. There could be a SIT under the direct supervision of judiciary and I think that should be done to identify and punish the guilty," he said.