Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary Prakash Karat said on Sunday that it would withdraw support to the government in concert with other the Left parties if the government goes ahead with the nuclear deal.

"The politburo wishes to point out that the UPA was formed to keep communal forces at bay. By taking such a step and the political consequences thereafter, that purpose will be undermined. We appeal to the partners of the Congress in the UPA to ensure that no such step is taken, which will help the communal forces," Karat said.

"The politburo wishes to point out that going to the board of governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency for approval of the safeguards agreement will be a flagrant violation of the understanding arrived at the November 16, 2007, meeting of the UPA-Left committee on the nuke deal," Karat added.

The much-awaited politburo meeting of the CPI-M ended by authorising Karat to withdraw support of the Left parties if the government goes to board of governors of the IAEA for approval of the safeguards agreement.

"The UPA had pledged not to proceed till the UPA-Left committee arrives at its finding," Karat said.

Karat warned that the consequences of the government's actions in case they go to IAEA would lie fairly and squarely with the government.

The politburo also expressed its concern at the galloping inflation rate. "The Manmohan Singh [Images] government has abjectly failed to tackle inflation. The price rise of essential commodies imposes a crushing burden on the people and the poor are finding it difficult to survive," he alleged.

The CPI-M will expose the Congress with other the Left parties over how the government had surrendered national interests on the nuclear deal and also tell the electorate how the government allowed price rise, Karat said.

Additional Reportage: PTI