The mood was buoyant at the CPM central committee in session in Kochi. The three-day meeting began deliberations on the strategy for the coming Lok Sabha polls. Buoyed by its successful talks with the TDP and the AIDMK, the party wants to expand the third alternative by including more parties. The party has already finalised seat sharing with the TDP, AIADMK and JD(S). Now it has to work out an arrangement with the BSP in Uttar Pradesh.