New Delhi, Feb 11 (NationPress) The general secretary of the Communist Party of India (Marxist), M.A. Baby, expressed on Wednesday that the chances of an electoral alliance between the Left Front and the Congress in West Bengal appear slim. He emphasized that despite this, opposition parties are united on certain national issues, particularly regarding the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

In an interview with IANS discussing the preparations for the upcoming assembly elections in various states, Baby stated that political contexts differ significantly from one state to another.

In Kerala, where the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front has been in power for two consecutive terms, they are striving for a third consecutive mandate. Conversely, in West Bengal, the CPI(M)-led Left Front is expected to contest independently, without the Congress.

“In previous elections, there was a collaboration between the Left Front and the Congress in Bengal. This time, such collaboration seems unlikely,” he remarked.

Baby noted that the broader INDIA Bloc is preparing for elections in multiple states, including Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry. He mentioned that in Tamil Nadu, parties within the bloc are contesting under the leadership of the DMK.

“As the INDIA Bloc, we are only contesting in Tamil Nadu under DMK's leadership, while in other states we will adapt based on the circumstances,” Baby stated.

Focusing on West Bengal, the CPI(M) leader criticized both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP. He accused the BJP of trying to polarize voters through communal propaganda, while also alleging that the Trinamool government, led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, has failed to tackle unemployment, educational inadequacies, and has been associated with corruption allegations.

“Our focus in Bengal is on defeating the Trinamool government and isolating the BJP,” he declared.

“We do not equate the BJP and the Trinamool. However, for the entire nation, the most significant threat is the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh-controlled BJP,” he asserted.

Baby also brought up CM Banerjee's prior association with the BJP at the national level. “Mamata Banerjee had an alliance with the BJP and served as a Union Minister. We are uncertain if those past ties still exist, as they seem to accuse each other publicly,” he remarked.

The CPI(M) leader added that discussions are ongoing within the Left Front regarding their electoral strategy in Bengal.

“Once we consolidate the Left Front and make progress on seat-sharing, we will evaluate if an understanding or arrangement with other parties is necessary. We are clear that we cannot associate with known communal forces,” he noted.

Despite political disagreements with the Trinamool Congress, Baby acknowledged that both the Left and TMC share concerns over the Election Commission's SIR exercise. CM Banerjee has sought intervention from the Supreme Court on this matter.

“On her criticism of the irregularities associated with the SIR and the Election Commission, we find common ground despite our political differences,” Baby stated.

He argued that what is officially referred to as a Special Intensive Revision effectively amounts to widespread deletions from voter lists.

“There is an extensive removal of names from voter lists, which is unacceptable. On this issue, we align with Mamata Banerjee’s criticisms,” he asserted.

However, he pointed out that Banerjee’s approach to the issue is different from that of the Left.

“Her method of addressing the issue, turning it into a spectacle, is her style of political mobilization,” he added.

Regarding the controversy surrounding former Chief of Army Staff General M.M. Naravane’s upcoming book, 'Four Stars of Destiny', Baby stated that it could be discussed in Parliament if handled responsibly.

He noted that the publisher, Penguin Random House, owns the rights to the book and has confirmed that it has not been officially released. The display of a copy in Parliament by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has sparked a procedural debate over the authenticity of the documents referenced during the session.

“There is no issue with discussing it, as long as it is done responsibly. The government can clarify its stance, and the author can confirm whether he stands by the contents. This should be resolved within parliamentary norms,” Baby concluded.

The CPI(M) leadership is anticipated to finalize its state-specific electoral strategy in the upcoming weeks as opposition parties adjust their strategies in preparation for a busy election season.