CPM expels
leader for
opposing
Cong tie-up
Major differences over CPM's alliance with Congress in West Bengal cropped up at the Left party's central committee meeting in Delhi, with the party on Monday expelling a senior member and the 101-member decision-making body saying that the move was not in accordance with its political line.
The first central committee (CC) meeting, held after the Left's rout in West Bengal, is understood to have witnessed a large number of members opposing the tie-up, as the party expelled CC member and AIDWA general secretary Jagmati Sangwan, who claimed to be one of the opponents of the tie-up, for "gross indiscipline".
"The central committee concluded that the electoral tactics adopted in West Bengal was not in consonance with the central committee decision not to have an alliance or understanding with the Congress," CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury told reporters here on conclusion of the 3-day meeting.
The central committee also said the decision "should be rectified" and added that "the importance of adhering to the political- tactical line adopted at the 21st Congress of the Party."
The CC authorized the politburo "to ensure its implementation in consultation with the state leadership of the party," Yechury said. The political-tactical line adopted at the 21st party congress had spoken of forging a Left, democratic alliance in the states.
However, it had also spoken of "flexible tactics" to meet new, emerging situations.
The day also saw the expulsion of Sangwan, with a party statement saying "the CPM Central Committee now in session in New Delhi has decided to expel Jagmati Sangwan (member of the CC) from the primary membership of the Party for gross indiscipline."
However, Sangwan maintained she had announced in the meeting itself that she was quitting the party and all posts.
