CPI(M) Grassroots Leaders to Steer Campaign for 2026 Bengal Assembly Elections
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Synopsis
The CPI(M) is shifting its campaign focus for the 2026 Bengal Assembly elections from heavyweight leaders to grassroots figures. This change will be evident in the Brigade rally on April 20, emphasizing local leadership and grassroots movements to strengthen the party's outreach among the rural and urban poor.
Key Takeaways
- Grassroots leaders are central to CPI(M)'s campaign.
- Campaign transition highlighted at Brigade rally.
- Md Salim is the only heavyweight speaker.
- Focus on mobilizing rural and urban poor.
- Past rallies showed need for local leader visibility.
Kolkata, March 1 (NationPress) Unlike the prominent and popular figures in mainstream and social media, the grassroots leaders will take center stage as the main representatives of the CPI(M) in the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections.
This shift in the campaign's public face, according to party insiders, will be showcased during the significant rally set to take place at Brigade Parade Ground in central Kolkata on April 20 this year.
Aside from Md Salim, a member of the CPI(M) politburo and the party's state secretary in West Bengal, the roster of speakers will predominantly feature grassroots leaders who are leading initiatives in various sectors, including the peasants' wing, sharecroppers' association, trade unions, and notably, the slum dwellers association.
A senior member of the CPI(M) central committee from West Bengal noted that an internal document recently reviewed the party's electoral strategy, highlighting that a substantial enhancement of the party's strength necessitates the revival and growth of CPI(M) and the Left in both West Bengal and Tripura, where there is an urgent need for mass mobilization and struggles.
The document emphasizes the importance of focusing on the rural and urban poor and organizing them effectively. Consequently, the state unit has resolved to elevate the visibility of grassroots movements in its campaign, commencing with the upcoming Brigade rally in April.
This proposed change in campaign leadership, insiders indicate, is underscored by another internal observation. In recent years, especially leading up to the last elections in West Bengal, while there have been significant crowds at party rallies, this has not translated into electoral success.
The large gatherings were indeed a result of effective grassroots networking by local leaders. However, the frustration of attendees has been linked to the absence of these local leaders on stage, with only heavyweight figures delivering speeches, which has spurred the need for this shift in focus.
