Is Congress's Poor Performance in Bihar a Sign for 2026 Bengal Seat-Sharing Talks?
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Synopsis
The Congress party's poor showing in Bihar raises pivotal questions about the future of its seat-sharing arrangement with CPI(M) in West Bengal. With dissent growing within the Left Front, will this partnership survive the scrutiny?
Key Takeaways
- Intensifying dissent within CPI(M) regarding Congress alliance.
- Concerns about Congress's performance in Bihar impacting future elections.
- Historical seat-sharing arrangements have been uncertain.
- The necessity of strategic alliances in electoral politics.
- Political landscape in West Bengal may undergo significant changes.
Kolkata, Nov 15 (NationPress) Internal dissent within the CPI(M)-led Left Front in West Bengal is intensifying regarding the continuation of the seat-sharing agreement with Congress for the upcoming state Assembly elections. This shift in sentiment comes on the heels of the Mahagathbandhan (MGB)'s disappointing outcome in Bihar, notably impacting Congress, as revealed by the election results announced just a day prior.
"Until now, the primary dissenters within the Left Front were our two allies, the All India Forward Bloc and the Revolutionary Socialist Party, expressing reservations about the ongoing seat-sharing pact with Congress for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. However, in light of the recent Bihar election results, concerns are now also being voiced within CPI-M regarding the rationale of this partnership going forward," remarked a member of the state CPI-M Central committee who wished to remain anonymous.
The faction within CPI-M opposing the seat-sharing deal has articulated two main arguments for their position.
Firstly, they contend that the performance of MGB in the Bihar elections could have been improved if Congress's central leadership had not insisted on contesting 61 seats, potentially allowing more promising MGB allies to compete for those positions.
Secondly, they argue that while CPI-M, as a disciplined political entity, may successfully rally its supporters for Congress in a seat-sharing framework, there is no assurance that Congress's leadership would reciprocate effectively.
"The uncertainty surrounding the seat-sharing arrangement with Congress for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly polls has been evident from the start. This is largely due to the absence of two key figures who previously facilitated similar pacts: our late former party General Secretary, Sitaram Yechury, and the former State Congress President, Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. Current leaders from both the national and state Congress appear disinterested in advancing this collaboration for 2026," the CPI-M Central committee member added.
The seat-sharing arrangement between the Left Front and Congress was initially established during the 2016 West Bengal Assembly elections.
However, no such agreement was in place during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.
Nonetheless, the seat-sharing deal was maintained in both the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.
Point of View
It is essential to observe the dynamics of political alliances in India. The growing dissent within the CPI(M) regarding the Congress partnership highlights a critical juncture ahead of the 2026 elections. While historical alliances often shape electoral outcomes, the current sentiments suggest a potential shift in strategy that could redefine political landscapes in West Bengal. The nation is keenly watching how these developments unfold.
NationPress
15/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What triggered the dissent within the CPI(M) regarding the seat-sharing pact with Congress?
The dissent was primarily triggered by Congress's poor performance in the Bihar Assembly polls, which raised questions about the effectiveness of their alliance in upcoming elections.
Who are the main dissenters within the CPI(M) regarding this arrangement?
The main dissenters include the All India Forward Bloc and the Revolutionary Socialist Party, along with growing voices within the CPI-M itself.
When was the seat-sharing arrangement between the Left Front and Congress first established?
The seat-sharing arrangement was initially established during the 2016 West Bengal Assembly elections.
Has Congress's leadership shown interest in continuing this alliance?
Current leaders from both the national and state Congress have shown disinterest in advancing the seat-sharing arrangement for the 2026 elections.
What was the outcome of the Bihar Assembly polls for Congress?
Congress faced a disastrous outcome in the Bihar Assembly polls, significantly impacting the Mahagathbandhan's performance.
