The massive anti-Bush protest in Delhi on Thursday not only brought together the proposed partners of the 'Third Front' but also saw them raise a united voice against the Congress. These parties, who are supporting the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance government from outside, warned it of dire consequences, if they are not heard.
The anger against being unheard on several issues of 'national importance' was evident in every speech that leader after leader delivered, criticising the ruling party for pursuing 'anti-people' policies, which would bring 'danger' to the country.
At the huge protest, organised by an umbrella organisation 'Committee Against Bush Visit', in which CPI(M), CPI, RSP, Forward Bloc, JD(S) and Samajwadi Party were members, leaders launched a direct attack on the government they are supporting.
If CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat talked about the impropriety in inviting 'war criminal' Bush, his CPI counterpart A B Bardhan asked the government to change its 'attitude' on a variety of policy matters.
"Be prepared to face the consequences if you (Congress) are going to ignore our voices on specific policy issues," Karat and Bardhan said and added that Thursday's protest was not only against Bush but a 'strong message to the UPA government and they should realise the anger of the people'.
