Only time will tell if Third Front would emerge: Sitaram Yechury

HYDERABAD: Noting that both UPA and NDA are "collapsing", CPM politburo member Sitaram Yechury today maintained that only time would decide whether a "third alternative" would emerge in the country.

"If you look at history, the so-called third alternative always happened only after elections, whether it was in 1989 ( National Front) or 1996 (United Front). Even in 2004, the United Progressive Alliance was formed only after the elections," Yechury recalled here today, when questioned about the likelihood of a Third Front.

"Both UPA and NDA were collapsing. From 15-17 allies, both UPA and NDA are now down to just two-three allies each. A lot of political churning has started in the country and the Left parties put forth a blue print for all non-Congress, non-BJP parties (for an alternative).

"Now, whether the third alternative emerges, whether ahead of polls or later...only time will decide," Yechury added.

Asked about the prospects of an early general elections, the CPM leader noted that there was a lot of talk going on in this regard.

"But nobody forgot what happened to Vajpayee when the then NDA government went for an early poll in 2004," he remarked.