A day after holding talks with CPI(M) state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra, state Congress chief Adhir Chowdhury said his party was determined to forge what he described as a “hassle-free” and “controversy-free” electoral agreement with the Left Front. He was speaking to the media during an election committee meeting at Bidhan Bhavan. It was decided in the meeting that the Congress would field candidates in 32 seats which were won by the party candidates in the 2011 Assembly polls.
According to the mutually-agreed formula, the party which had won a particular seat in the last polls is automatically eligible to contest it this time.
Asserting that most of the differences over seat adjustment have been resolved, Mr Chowdhury said, “We want a hassle-free electoral agreement with the Left Front. There will be friendly-fights with them only in 4-5 per cent of the total seats, but definitely with an understanding. However, we are determined to put up a one-on-one fight against the ruling Trinamul in more than 90 per cent Assembly seats.”
The state Congress president acknowledged that the CPI(M) was keen on reaching an electoral tieup with them and was as sincere as the Congress. He indicated that it was the smaller Left Front partners who were creating hurdles. “The role of the CPI(M) in forging the alliance is very positive, cordial and transparent. We have requested them to sort out the overlapping of seats and they have given assurance that they will withdraw their candidate from Jangipur constituency. The CPI(M) is willing to make sacrifices, but their allies have a different opinion,” Mr Chowdhury added.
According to the mutually-agreed formula, the party which had won a particular seat in the last polls is automatically eligible to contest it this time.
Mr Chowdhury said the Congress will field sitting MLAs in 31 seats and will nominate a new candidate for Alipurduar seat because its sitting MLA Debi Prasad Roy has declined to contest to protest a Congress-CPI(M) entente. CPI(M) state secretary Surjyakanta Mishra said, “There should not be any confusion about the electoral adjustment. Both parties have taken positive steps to stand united against the ruling party.”
Congress leaders Abdul Mannan and Manas Bhuniya, who attended the condolence meeting for Forward Bloc leader Ashok Ghosh, were also optimistic about a quick resolution of differences.
