Left takes 'Ekla Chalo' route in Assembly Bypolls! Congress signals no interest in alliance

As the assembly by-elections in West Bengal approach, the Left party is adopting an 'Ekla Chalo' (Walk Alone) strategy, indicating its intention to contest independently. This decision marks a shift from its previous collaborative efforts with the Congress, which is also signaling a lack of interest in forming an alliance.

The by-elections, scheduled for November 13, will fill six assembly seats, with the nomination deadline set for October 25. While there were initial discussions about a potential alliance between the Left and Congress, reports suggest that no substantial talks have taken place recently. Both parties appear to be focusing on their individual strategies.

Internal meetings within the Left Front have resulted in a clear plan for seat allocations: the Forward Bloc will contest in Sitai, the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) in Maderihati, and the Communist Party of India (CPI) in Medinipur. The Indian Secular Front (ISF) is expected to field candidates in Haroa. Notably, the Left and ISF are now set to collaborate for the by-elections, despite not aligning during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

The Naihati seat remains a topic of discussion, with CPI(M) leaders negotiating with CPI(ML) Liberation regarding candidacy. If CPI(ML) decides not to contest, CPI(M) may step in to field a candidate, reflecting the Left's efforts to consolidate support among its voter base.

CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty reiterated the party's focus on uniting against the BJP and Trinamool Congress, stating, “We operate with a policy of uniting everyone against the BJP and Trinamool. Our position is clear.” He emphasized the party's readiness to face the elections independently if necessary.

On the Congress side, local leaders have indicated a preference for a solo campaign, reflecting a growing sentiment within the party for independent candidacies. Resolutions confirming this stance have been communicated to the provincial Congress in Delhi, underscoring their commitment to contest separately. An announcement regarding Congress candidates is expected on Tuesday. The decision of both the Left and Congress to run separately in the assembly by-elections could impact the political dynamics in West Bengal.