The majority of leaders of the CPI(M) units in West Bengal on Wednesday argued in favour of an adjustment with the Congress and other secular and democratic forces in the state for the next Lok Sabha polls.
A one-day-long meeting of the CPI(M) was held on Wednesday to discuss the strategy for the 42 Lok Sabha seats from West Bengal. CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury was also present in the meeting.
"Most of the state committee members were in favour of a seat adjustment with Congress in order to stop the march of BJP and TMC in West Bengal," said a senior CPI(M) state committee member.
However, the CPI(M) district units of Kolkata, Burdwan and Jalpaiguri were against any sort of adjustment with the grand old party.
"We can't deny the credentials and acceptability of the Congress as a secular force and when the question is of fighting against a communal force like the BJP, the Congress cannot be treated as untouchable," said a senior CPI(M) state committee member.
According to CPI(M) sources, all the district units have been asked to prepare a list of seats where "an adjustment with Congress will be a game-changer". The report will be then placed in the central committee and CPI(M) politburo meeting for further discussion.
According to a senior CPI(M) state committee leader, the meeting also discussed various modalities, including the party's ability to win seats on its own.
"Let us accept the fact that the situation in West Bengal is not very conducive for us. We have to see which seats can be won if there is an adjustment with the Congress. We will send the report to the central committee," the senior CPI(M) leader told on condition of anonymity.