A'third force', a coalition of Left and regional parties, was formally launched today offering an alternative to the combines spearheaded by the Congress and BJP, ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.
Addressing a massive gathering, leaders of the third force vowed to provide new economic policies.
"We represent the diversity of India," CPI-M General Secretary Prakash Karat told the rally which was attended by TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, JDS chief and former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, who is playing a key role in forming the new amalgamation, and CPI leader A B Bardhan.
BSP and AIDMK leaders Satish Chandra Mishra and V Maitreyan and representatives of Forward Bloc, RSP, TRS and Bhajan Lal's Haryana Janahith Party were also present.
Karat said the third force represents parties and groups which would provide new economic policies."We want a federal state. We are against centralisation of powers in Delhi," he said, adding all states should have adequate power.
Bardhan said the front was in touch with leaders of Naveen Patnaik-led Biju Janata Dal which snapped ties with BJP, ending their 11-year-old tie-up.
Expressing optimism that the BJD would join the front, he said,"He (Patnaik) is taking time." BJD, however, has not indicated its preference for any front.
