CPM backs Cong in Malda South, Front allies upset

Malda: CPM’s decision to extend support to Malda South’s Congress candidate Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury has not gone down well with its Left Front partners.

On Saturday, CPM’s Malda district secretary Ambar Mitra said: “We are not fielding any candidate in Malda South as per the party’s decision. We are going to support Congress candidate Abu Hasem Khan Choudhury here.” Mitra also vowed to hold a rally in Choudhury’s favour.

CPM’s partners RSP and CPI opposed the decision. “CPM has not discussed anything with us before deciding this. We have to take our stand soon,” RSP state secretary Biswanath Chowdhury said.

In fact, Chowdhury rushed to Malda on Sunday to hold a meeting with party workers. Later, talking to TOI, Chowdhury said: “Our workers are aggrieved with the decision taken by CPM unilaterally. We have to convey their feelings to the state leadership. In our state committee meeting on April 2, a final decision will be taken.”

“We are to field our candidate in Behrampore as well,” the veteran leader added. “It is true that we are to fight primarily against BJP and Trinamool, but that does not mean we are supporting Congress.”

RSP’s Malda district secretary Sarbananda Pandey was more strident in his opposition. “We are not going to accept CPM’s decision. How can we support Congress in Malda South while fighting them in Malda North?” he said.

CPI, too, expressed its anguish. “It is certainly embarrassing to support Congress in one seat and oppose them in another in the same district,” said CPI state committee member Tarun Das.

As for Congress, it accepted CPM’s gesture rather indifferently. “We have not sought their support since the alliance failed. They have not intimated us yet about their decision. But if they want to campaign for our candidate, we’ll welcome it,” said Mostak Alam, Malda Congress chief.