Is CPI(M) Eager for an Alliance While Congress Hesitates?
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Synopsis
The CPI(M) is pushing for a seat-sharing agreement with Congress for the upcoming Assembly elections, urging them to start discussions. With political dynamics at play, will Congress respond positively? Discover the unfolding political scenario in West Bengal as parties navigate their alliances ahead of critical elections.
Key Takeaways
- CPI(M) is eager for a seat-sharing agreement with Congress.
- The final decision rests with the AICC.
- Political strategies are being shaped ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
- The relationship between Congress and CPI(M) has evolved since 2016.
- Political observers note the strategic approach of CPI(M).
Kolkata, Aug 16 (NationPress) The CPI(M), leading the Left Front in West Bengal, is eager to form a seat-sharing coalition with the Congress for the significant Assembly elections scheduled next year. However, they are encouraging the historic party to take the initiative in starting discussions.
The stance of the CPI(M)’s State Secretary in West Bengal, Md Salim, is quite explicit.
He stated that it falls upon the Congress to determine if they wish to sustain their electoral seat-sharing partnership with the CPI(M)-led Left Front in West Bengal for the upcoming Assembly elections.
A central committee member of CPI(M) from West Bengal mentioned that earlier this year in June, Congress had requested the Left Front’s backing for their candidate in the bypoll for the Kaliganj Assembly seat in Nadia, leading the Left Front not to put forward any candidate.
“Certain factions within the West Bengal Congress continually communicate to us that they wish to maintain the understanding established for the 2021 Assembly election, the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and the 2025 Kaliganj bypoll. They now need to decide their course of action for 2026. We cannot dictate Congress's decisions,” said the party's central committee member.
However, the official position of the West Bengal Congress on this issue is still pending.
State Congress President in West Bengal, Suvankar Sarkar, noted that whether at the national or state level, the ultimate decision regarding alliances or seat-sharing agreements lies with the All India Congress Committee (AICC).
“There hasn’t been any directive from the AICC on this matter yet. The decision made by the AICC will be conclusive,” he stated.
This raises the question of why, despite being so eager to preserve the seat-sharing pact for the 2026 Assembly elections, the CPI(M) leadership insists that Congress must take the lead in initiating conversations.
Political analysts believe that this approach by CPI(M) is strategic, aligning with the political resolution concluded at the CPI(M)’s 24th Party Congress in Madurai this past April.
In that document, the party’s central leadership emphasized focusing on independent political trajectories moving forward rather than electoral collaborations.
“Given the political resolution, the West Bengal unit of CPI(M) cannot initiate the first approach regarding the seat-sharing agreement with Congress for the 2026 Assembly polls. Hence, they expect Congress to take the first step in this discussion,” explained a political observer based in the city.
The electoral partnership between Congress and the Left Front began during the 2016 West Bengal Assembly elections. However, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, no seat-sharing agreement was established between the two entities.
Point of View
It is crucial to observe the evolving political landscape in West Bengal. The CPI(M)'s insistence on Congress taking the lead in alliance discussions reflects a strategic maneuvering aligned with their recent political resolutions. Understanding these dynamics is essential for grasping the future of electoral politics in India.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current stance of CPI(M) regarding the Congress alliance?
CPI(M) is keen on a seat-sharing agreement with Congress for the upcoming Assembly elections but wants Congress to initiate the discussions.
What role does the All India Congress Committee play in this matter?
The final decision regarding alliances and seat-sharing agreements rests with the All India Congress Committee (AICC), which has not yet provided directives.
When did the electoral understanding between Congress and CPI(M) begin?
The electoral partnership began during the 2016 West Bengal Assembly elections.
Why is CPI(M) asking Congress to take the first step?
CPI(M) is adhering to a political resolution that emphasizes independent political lines, thus preferring Congress to lead the dialogue.
What was the outcome of the Congress and CPI(M) relationship in the 2019 elections?
In the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, there was no seat-sharing arrangement between Congress and the Left Front.
