Bengal's CPM Cracks Open Door for a Third Way, Rejects Trinamul but Skeptical of Congress

Bengal's CPM Charts a Lone Wolf Path: Rejects Trinamul, Eyes Cautious Third Way with Congress Doubts

Kolkata: In a political twist that throws Bengal's 2024 Lok Sabha landscape into disarray, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) has declared its independence from both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the national INDIA anti-BJP bloc. This bold move, announced by CPM state secretary Md Salim on Wednesday, opens the door for a potentially lone wolf approach by the Left Front in the upcoming elections.

Breaking Ranks with INDIA and Trinamul:

Salim's statement contradicts Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's recent overtures for a possible three-way alliance with the Left and Congress. Instead, he categorically ruled out any ties with Trinamul, stating, "The CPM will not ask for votes in the name of INDIA in Bengal." He further reiterated the Left Front's commitment to fight both the BJP and Trinamul independently in the state.

Congress Dilemma: Friend or Foe?

While Salim expressed openness to the Congress, his words were laced with skepticism. He warned the Grand Old Party against aligning with Trinamul, calling it "suicidal" for its state unit. This stance echoes reservations within the Bengal Congress, where leaders like Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury and Deepa Dasmunsi vehemently opposed any pact with Mamata's party.

Electoral Concerns and Internal Debates:

The CPM's ambivalence towards the Congress stems from their recent electoral struggles and differing regional priorities. Despite being part of the INDIA bloc nationally, the Left has maintained a combative stance towards the Congress in Kerala, where they are direct rivals. Additionally, the CPM's recent electoral decline in Bengal raises concerns about their ability to stand alone against the combined might of the BJP and a potential Trinamul-Congress alliance.

Strategic Options and the Path Ahead:

With the doors to both Trinamul and INDIA effectively closed, the CPM faces a crucial decision. They could choose to go it alone against the BJP and Congress, a risky option considering their diminished vote share. Alternatively, they could enter into cautious seat-sharing negotiations with the Congress, focusing on specific districts like Malda, Murshidabad, and North Dinajpur where the Grand Old Party holds pockets of influence.

What This Means for Bengal Politics:

The CPM's independent stance injects a significant dose of uncertainty into Bengal's political landscape. The possibility of a three-way fight involving the BJP, Trinamul-Congress alliance, and a lone wolf CPM adds a layer of complexity to the upcoming elections. This evolving scenario promises high drama and intense political jostling in the months leading up to the 2024 polls, keeping observers and voters on the edge of their seats.