Left Front, ISF, and CPI(ML) Engage in Prolonged Seat-Sharing Negotiations for West Bengal Assembly Elections
In Kolkata, seat-sharing discussions among the Left Front partners, the Indian Secular Front (ISF), and the CPI (ML) Liberation extended late into Wednesday night, with insider sources suggesting that the Communist Party of India (Marxist) may field candidates in approximately 200 out of the total 294 seats in the upcoming West Bengal assembly elections. These critical negotiations follow a statement by ISF leader Nawsad Siddique, who indicated on Tuesday that district-wise seat allocations would be finalized on Wednesday.
Details of the Alliance Talks and Historical Context
According to sources, the ISF is expected to contest around 30 seats in the electoral fray. Siddique had previously highlighted that alliance members were "uncompromising" regarding specific constituencies but expressed confidence that they would avoid a repeat of the 2021 scenario, where multiple parties within the alliance contested the same seats due to a lack of consensus. For instance, in the Deganga constituency during the 2021 elections, the ISF candidate secured 31.5% of the vote, while the Left Front-supported Forward Bloc candidate managed only 1.3%, illustrating the detrimental effects of divided candidacies.
Congress's Independent Strategy and Focus Areas
Meanwhile, the Congress party, which has opted to contest all 294 seats independently this time, has initiated preparations with a concentrated effort on 150 key constituencies. Senior Congress members revealed that the party plans to introduce fresh faces in its candidate lineup to rejuvenate its campaign. Beyond its traditional strongholds in Murshidabad and Malda, where the Congress maintains a robust organizational presence, the party is also targeting North Dinajpur, a district that has seen an influx of experienced politicians joining its ranks.
Additionally, Congress aims to mount a coordinated electoral challenge in Purulia. A senior Bengal Congress official emphasized that candidate selection will be performance-based, designed to strengthen the party's organizational framework for future years. This strategic approach underscores Congress's intent to rebuild its influence in the state without relying on alliances.
