CPI(M) to decide today on alliance with Congress for six Assembly by-elections in West Bengal

Preparations are ramping up for the crucial by-elections in six assembly constituencies across West Bengal, with the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI[M]) set to make a significant decision today regarding a potential alliance with the Congress party. This decision is pivotal, as it will influence not only the electoral strategies of both parties but also the broader political landscape in the state. CPI(M) state secretary Mohammed Salim is currently in England, prompting the party leadership to conduct a virtual meeting late Thursday to finalize their strategy and preparations.

The six assembly constituencies involved in the by-elections are Sitai in Cooch Behar, Madarihat in Alipurduar, Naihati in North 24 Parganas, Hadoa, Medinipur, and TalDengra in Bankura. The CPI(M) has assigned a member of its secretariat to oversee election management in each constituency. For instance, Jivesh Sarkar will manage Sitai, G. Alam will oversee Madarihat, and Shreedip Bhattacharya will take charge of Naihati. Other appointees include Palash Das for Hadoa, Sujan Chakraborty for Medinipur, and Amiyapathra for TalDengra. These assignments reflect the party’s commitment to effectively manage the election process and engage local voters.

In the 2021 assembly elections, these constituencies saw candidates from Congress, the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP), and the Indian Secular Front (ISF) competing for seats. This time, however, the political dynamics are more complex. The CPI(M)’s distancing from Furfura Sharif, a significant political ally, and the recent leadership transition in Congress—where Shubhankar Sarkar replaced Adhir Chowdhury as state president—have created new challenges and uncertainties.

The Forward Bloc, a component of the Left Front, has already declared its intention to contest from Sitai, which may lead to a fragmented leftist vote if CPI(M) proceeds with its alliance talks. Moreover, the CPI(M) is also exploring dialogues with CPI(M) (Maoist) Liberation to establish a broader leftist coalition, even if a formal agreement with Congress does not materialize. With the state Left Front meeting scheduled for today at 5:30 PM, the CPI(M) faces pressing questions about its strategic direction in the by-elections.