"We want the Congress to introspect with due seriousness. Can it continue with the same economic politics of indiscriminate liberalisation and privatisation? Will there then be any difference between its policies and those of the BJP", he said in a special article in the CPI (M) organ 'People's Democracy' which observes its 40th anniversary.

Basu, the founder Editor of the journal, said the people expected the UPA government to "fulfil its commitment that its policies will be for the common people".

Observing that the CPI (M) recognised the Congress as a "secular" party, Basu said "as the biggest political party in the country, its role has relevance in determining the secular character of the state at this juncture.