CPI(M) aiming to recover Bengal base, unite 'Left and democratic forces' against TMC, BJP: Karat
Left and democratic forces" against both the TMC and the BJP, party leader Prakash Karat has said. He added that no discussions had been held on whether the Left Front and the Congress would contest the assembly polls, due in 2026, in an alliance.
In an interview with PTI, the CPI(M) interim coordinator stressed that the party losing ground in West Bengal was a major reason behind its declining electoral strength.
The CPI(M) is focusing on working among the rural poor to regain its traditional support base, Karat said.
Asked about the party's standing in West Bengal, which the CPI(M)-led Left Front governed for 34 years between 1977 and 2011 before losing to the TMC, the veteran leader highlighted the recent mobilisations of youngsters, including during the protests against the RG Kar rape and murder incident.
«I am not talking only about our party but all Left and progressive forces (that) came out in large numbers, mobilising the youth also in a big way,» Karat told PTI.
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«So, we are trying to regain our influence among sections whose support we had lost. We have now realised that we must work very hard among the rural poor. That was our main base. So, we have made those plans. Some progress is there,» he said.
Karat claimed the CPI(M) had organisationally regrouped and reoriented even though it had not converted it to electoral success yet.
Asked if the Left Front-Congress alliance would continue in the assembly polls, he said, «Last time, we had some understanding with the Congress. I don't know whether that will materialise this time. It may also. We have not entered that stage of having any discussions on that yet.»
«But we will be making a serious effort in the assembly election against the TMC