“There is a campaign that the CPI-M believes in maintaining an equal distance [from the Congress and BJP]. He, however, said that they should form a larger platform to fight forces like the Trinamool Congress and BJP. The comment of Mr. Mishra assumes significance as it challenges CPI-M’s Political-Tactical report, adopted in 21st Congress in Visakhapatnam in 2015. But the alliance did not help the Congress or CPI-M. As a result, the CPI-M started distancing itself from the Congress and nominated candidates unilaterally in the recent by-polls. But then Mr. Mishra’s comment – only months before 22nd party Congress – has fuelled new speculation.

Source: The Hindu January 04, 2018 15:00 UTC