Inner turmoil in CPI(M) ranks over Bhatpara candidate selection

A visibly embarrassed former Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya on Friday reprimanded those who had shouted slogans outside the party’s state headquarter on Alimuddin Street demanding fielding of CPI(M) candidate in Bhatpara.

CPIM has allowed RJD to field its candidates from Jorasanko and Bhatpara. Those shouting slogans demanded that the party should field its candidate from Bhatpara. Trinamool Congress leader Arjun Singh is contesting from Bhatpara.

Party supporters gathered outside Alimuddin Street and shouted slogans when Bhattacharya was entering the party office in the morning. He stopped near the gate and addressing the agitators said “Go back home. This is not the culture of our party to raise slogans against a candidate. It is not possible to satisfy everyone, every group. Be happy with the list which we have published.”

But despite Bhattacharya’s requests the agitators continued to give slogan. The police cordoned off the building. Later, Nepaldeb Bhattacharya said that party leaders had held talks with them and they withdrew their agitation.

CPI(M) leaders are worried that unlike the past, the resentment of party workers are coming in the open. Aggrieved party workers who did not support the alliance with the Congress had put up posters on the walls of Alimuddin Street when the State committee meeting was on during the 3rd plenum. All India party leaders like Prakash Karat had attended the meeting. Party leaders removed the posters in haste.

Meanwhile, the tug of war between Congress and CPI(M) over seat adjustment continued on Friday. Veteran CPI(M) leader Shyamal Chakraborty said the difference over 14 seats would be resolved and there would be alliance with Congress. Party’s state secretary Suryakanta Misra said if two people were found to contest from one seat then one would have to sacrifice. But he did not specify who would have to make the sacrifice.

Election managers of CPI(M) on Friday met at Alimuddin Street to resolve the stalemate in 16 seats where both their party candidates and Congress are fighting. The CPI(M) has fielded 13 candidates in Murshidabad which considered to be a Congress’ stronghold. For Adhir Chowdhury, sacrificing the seats has become a prestige fight. How the election bosses of Alimuddin Street manage a formidable looking problem in Murshidabad is a matter to be seen.