Communist Party of India (Marxist) general secretary M.A. Baby stated that the likelihood of an electoral understanding between the Left Front and the Congress in West Bengal is slim. He emphasized that while Opposition parties are united on certain national issues, such as concerns over the ongoing Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the political dynamics vary significantly across states. In Kerala, where the Left Democratic Front, led by the CPI(M), aims for a third consecutive term, the alliance is focused on securing another mandate.
Baby highlighted that the Left Front in West Bengal, led by the CPI(M), is expected to contest independently without the Congress, unlike in previous elections where there was some level of understanding between the two. Additionally, he mentioned that the broader INDIA Bloc, comprising various parties, is gearing up for elections in states like Tamil Nadu, Assam, and Puducherry. In Tamil Nadu, the parties within the Bloc are contesting under the leadership of the DMK.
In West Bengal, Baby criticized both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the BJP, accusing the BJP of attempting to polarize voters through communal propaganda and pointing out alleged failures of the Trinamool government in addressing issues like unemployment and educational backwardness, along with facing corruption allegations. He emphasized that the focus of the CPI(M) and the Left Front in Bengal is on defeating the Trinamool government and isolating the BJP, considering the latter as a significant national threat.
Discussing the electoral strategy in Bengal, Baby mentioned ongoing discussions within the Left Front regarding seat-sharing and the possibility of an understanding with other political parties, emphasizing the stance against aligning with communal forces. Despite political differences, he noted that the Left and the Trinamool Congress share concerns over the Election Commission’s SIR exercise, with CM Mamata Banerjee approaching the Supreme Court on the matter.
Baby expressed agreement with Banerjee’s criticism of the SIR process, highlighting the widespread removal of names from voter lists, which he deemed unacceptable. While acknowledging common ground on the issue, he also noted differences in the approach taken by Banerjee compared to the Left. On a separate matter concerning the controversy surrounding General M.M. Naravane’s upcoming book, Baby suggested that the issue could be discussed in Parliament if handled responsibly, emphasizing the need for a resolution within parliamentary norms.
