CPI(M) greenlights battle against TMC in 2024 Bengal Lok Sabha polls

In the city of Kolkata, it has been confirmed that the Communist Party of India (Marxist), otherwise known as the CPI(M), has permitted its West Bengal branch to put forward potential contenders against the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the impending 2024 Lok Sabha polls. Notably, this strategic decision mirrors the mantra of the anti-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) coalition, termed as INDIA. The coalition constitutes both regional and national parties, with the singular objective of isolating the BJP force.

The CPI(M) general secretary, Sitaram Yechury, justified the decision citing the unique political landscape of Bengal, stressing upon the importance of not siding with the TMC, their main rival. The statements were made in Delhi post a three-day central committee assembly.

In Bengal, where the BJP aims to clinch 35 of 42 Lok Sabha seats, an upgrade from their 18 in 2019, the opposition faces an intriguing hurdle. Md Salim, the CPI(M) politburo member and Bengal state secretary made the situation clear, asserting that the BJP cannot be allowed to secure the anti-TMC votes on the assumption they would be the natural second choice.

Strikingly, during the 2011 assembly polls, Mamata Banerjee and the Congress were allies, when she successfully overthrew the long-standing Left Front government. Congress later disbanded the coalition, leading to speculations that Congress may choose a similar path given the position of CPI(M).

A senior Congress leader stressed that contesting the 2024 elections against TMC would only serve to benefit the BJP. Political analysts believe that the challenging situation in Bengal has stirred discussions within the national leadership of the Congress as well.

Viewpoints opposed to Mamata Banerjee would redirect their support to the BJP if existing anti-TMC votes perceive a bond between Congress and the ruling party. Citizens are likely to sway towards the party that’s been in power at the centre since 2014. The congress leader further observed that the BJP being the primary contender in this number game is free to calculate their gains and losses.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Bengal state congress president, declined to comment on the potential alliance with TMC, known for his stern critique of the chief minister. In the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, BJP increased its foothold in the state from a mere two seats in 2014 to a whopping 18, while TMC saw a decline from 34 to 22, and Congress maintained their count at two.

As for vote share in the previous elections, BJP managed to garner 40%, trailing slightly behind TMC’s 43%. An unnamed Bengal BJP leader expressed optimism about the opportunities that the INDIA alliance might present, citing the TMC’s recent victory securing 57% of Bengal’s 73887 seats across all three tiers in the July 8 panchayat polls.

Samik Bhattacharya, a Bengal BJP’s prime spokesperson, argued that any alliance formed between TMC and Congress would be of little consequence. He believes that the voters’ support for Prime Minister Narendra Modi would remain steadfast.

When approached on the topic, TMC veteran Lok Sabha member Saugata Roy conveyed his faith in Mamata Banerjee’s ability to lead her party to success in the 2024 elections, with or without the implementation of the INDIA alliance in Bengal. He remained adamant that the BJP will face difficulties retaining more than seven to eight seats, considering the recent panchayat polls’ results.