Congress and CPI(M) face off in upcoming Bengal by-elections due to no seat-sharing agreement

The political landscape in West Bengal is evolving as the by-elections for six assembly seats approach, scheduled for November 13. With Congress and the CPI(M)-led Left Front unable to establish a seat-sharing agreement, both parties are preparing to contest directly against one another.

A senior member of the CPI(M) state committee confirmed that there has been no communication between the two parties regarding any proposals for collaboration. This lack of dialogue has prompted the CPI(M) to consider independent strategies for the upcoming elections, signaling a move towards a self-reliant approach. Internal discussions within the party are underway regarding the possibility of fielding candidates independently.

Similarly, the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WB PCC) has indicated a preference for contesting the elections solo. While the final decision on seat-sharing ultimately rests with the party’s high command, many within the state unit believe that participating independently would allow them to assess their organizational strength and voter support.

The recent absence of key leaders is also affecting the political dynamics. The deaths of former CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury and the transfer of former West Bengal Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury have created a gap in communication between the two parties. Yechury was known for maintaining direct connections with national Congress figures, while Chowdhury coordinated effectively with CPI(M) leaders. Their absence may hinder negotiations for any potential collaboration.

The six assembly seats in question are Sitai in Cooch Behar district, Madarihat in Alipurduar district, Naihati and Haroa in North 24 Parganas district, Medinipur in West Medinipur district, and Taladanga in Bankura district. These seats became vacant after their MLAs were elected to the Lok Sabha earlier this year, with vote counting scheduled for November 23. In the 2021 assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress secured five of these constituencies, while the BJP won Madarihat.