Third Front will play a major role after polls: Manik Sarkar

Tezpur(Assam), Jan 8 (PTI) Stating the need to change the ruling alliance at the Centre, Tripura Chief Minister Manik Sarkar today said the Third Front will play a major role in government formation after the coming Lok Sabha elections.

"People of India want a political change in the country.

There is need for strengthening the secular democratic forces," Sarkar said while addressing a public rally here.

Citing the example of formation of the V P Singh government, he said in the last 15 years no political party has secured absolute majority, but alliance ruled the country.

"In the forthcoming parliamentary elections, regional parties will play a major role," the CPI(M) Politburo member said.

During his speech, Sarkar termed Gujarat as the model state for communal violence, but not a model state for development as blood stains of innocent riot victims were still fresh.

Attacking both the Congress and the BJP for their "so-called secularism", he said BJP tries to polarise Hindu votes, while Congress plays the dual role.

"If BJP comes to power, the economic and political situation will not change, only the face will," he added.

The Chief Minister cited Tripura's example of development in education, health, agriculture and power sectors