The Communist Party of India � Marxist on Monday dismissed as 'defunct and ineffective' the United Progressive Alliance -Left Coordination Committee and said it made little difference whether to continue in it or not.

''The UPA-Left Coordination Committee was formed for exchange of opinion between the government and Left parties on major policies. But it has now virtually turned into an ineffective and defunct body,'' CPI-M politburo member Biman Bose said, reacting to RSP's decision to pull out of the forum.

Asked if the CPI-M would follow in the footsteps of the RSP, Bose said, "It is the same whether to remain in the UPA or not.''