"The task of formation of the two governments in West Bengal and Kerala will be taken up expeditiously", said Party General Secretary Prakash Karat at a crowded press conference here.

"The decision who will lead the governments in these two states would be taken at the party's state committee.Of course, the Polit Bureau will discuss the issue here and convey its opinion to the State Committee", Mr Karat said.

On whether there will be a leadership tussle in Kerala, he said "You know the established norms of the party. It is up to the state Committee to decide the issue".

Thanking the people of Kerala and West Bengal for the splendid victories of the party, Mr Karat said, "This election is notable for the singlular success of the CPI(M) led Left Front in retaining the support of the working people of West Bengal and winning over new sections of the people. It is due to the devoted work of the Party among the people and the pro-peoeple record of the Left Front government.

"The people of Kerala have voted decisively to bring the LDF into the government and rejected the Congress-led United Democratuc Front.

The LDF has won a two-third majority. This is an endorsement of the Left and democratic platform and an indictment of the five years of the UDF misrule. It is gratifying that the people have approved the party's decision not to dilute the LDF's identity by associating with non-LDF forces", Mr Karat said.

The Polit Bureau also welcomed the verdict of the people of Tamil Nadu who have made the DMK=led Democratic prgoressicve Alliance victorious.

The CPI(M), which had an electoral understanding with the DMK-led Alliance, has won none seats.

In Assam, where the CPI(M) has won 2 seats, the Congress might be able to form a coalition goverment, as it has emerged as the single largest party in a fractured mandate, he said.

UNI KSA/PMD JN KN1801