BHEL sale: Sonia, Left agree to disagree for now

Sonia Gandhi, with only her political secretary Ahmed Patel by her side, met CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat and CPI secretary D. Raja at 10 Janpath. Patel said after the talks, ‘‘We have explained our position and they have put forth their views.’’

On the other hand, the Left leaders put out a statement saying the UPA chairperson had suggested that a ‘‘solution would have to be found’’. The statement in itself was an indication that the Left was positive about the very invitation from Sonia.

Congress general secretary Ambika Soni said, ‘‘We cannot set a time-frame for a solution, but we are sure, we would be able to work it out soon.’’

Sources in the Congress said the next round would be held in the coming week, probably Monday. Sonia is scheduled to visit Tamil Nadu tomorrow for the foundation-laying ceremony of the Sethusamudram project.

Having given an initial explanation to Left leaders that the Government needs to disinvest 10% in BHEL to fund social-sector welfare schemes to honour its other commitments in the CMP, Sonia plans getting Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Finance Minister P. Chidambaram on board when she meets them next.

The Left representation at the discussions was also inadequate. The CPI was represented by Raja and not party chief A B Bardhan, while RSP leader Abani Roy and Forward Bloc leader Debabrata Biswas, both being out of town, were absent.

Sources said they were confident of a compromise despite the rigid position taken by the Left. ‘‘The fact that we are talking means that there would be a compromise,’’ they said. When pointed out that the Left had to protect its electoral interests, the sources shot back: ‘‘The Congress has to contest elections too.’’

They said the NCMP lists a host of issues. ‘‘The final outcome has to ensure that those who raised an issue are satisfied, but those who have to take action to implement schemes are also satisfied,’’ they added. When told that it was a question of prestige for the Left now, the sources said, ‘‘Yes indeed, but it is also a question of prestige for the entire UPA too.’’

Speaking to The Indian Express, D Raja said in future discussions, the Left would definitely point out its various complaints against the coordination committee meetings especially the format in which they were held. Policy decisions were being announced in other forums, he said.

Other Left leaders explained that the BHEL issue was not just about posturing. This would go against the Left ideology and their leaders could not be seen as compromising on this issue.