Left outrage over US 'interference'

In a strong message, the CPM has asked the US to stay away from Indian politics.

The CPM concerns about the US playing a role in the formation of the next government comes after a meeting between US head of mission Peter Burleigh and BJP's prime ministerial candidate LK Advani on Wednesday.

Burleigh also met Telugu Desam Party (TDP) chief Chandrababu Naidu and Praja Rajyam Party (PRP) chief Chiranjeevi.

PTI adds: "Reports suggest that parties are being advised whom to support and which government should be formed in India, etc. If this is the case, I think this is gross interference in our internal affairs," CPM politburo member Sitaram Yechury told reporters in New Delhi.

He said, "The US has revealed its character once again through its brazen interference in internal affairs of other independent countries. That cannot be tolerated."

Yechury said he had "heard" that "TDP strongly condemned such suggestions. He was told with quite degree of certainty and unceremoniously not to interfere in India's internal affairs. That is the way it should be."

Meanwhile, the Congress downplayed the meeting of Peter Burleigh with L K Advani, saying the diplomat himself has clarified about the meeting.

"The envoy (Burleigh) has himself spoken and given a very specific clarification...But if a diplomat seeks to influence voting pattern it is not correct..." party spokesman Abhishek Singhvi said, adding that there is no point in speculating as the envoy has himself clarified it.