Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI(M)] West Bengal state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra on Wednesday reiterated that his Party has no understanding with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for the upcoming West Bengal panchayat elections.
Speaking exclusively to NC24x7, Mishra said all secular forces must come together to defeat the BJP and the TMC. Mishra also called the Calcutta High Court judgement on e-filing of nominations “landmark”. The HC on Tuesday directed the West Bengal State Election Commission (SEC) to accept nominations filed through e-mail by people who are eager to contest the coming panchayat elections but have not been able to submit papers.
Edited excerpts:
1. Does the CPI (M) have an understanding with the BJP at the ground level as the TMC has been alleging? Is there any understanding, especially in Nadia?
These are absolute lies spread by TMC, the BJP as well as some sections of the media. We have been making it very clear for the last four years that we have to defeat TMC to save Bengal and we have to defeat BJP to save India. There can be no question of having an understanding with one to defeat the other.
2. If TMC is so powerful, not even allowing nominations, how will you defeat them?
The situation is very bad, even the Returning Officer’s office has been occupied by the TMC. We are doing a variety of things. There are 17 Left parties in West Bengal, wherever there is any Left party we are trying to mobilise people to vote for them, where there is no Left party we are saying vote for the candidate who will defeat both BJP and TMC. Secondly, yesterday the High Court allowed e-filing of nominations. I’m told the TMC, the government, as well as the party, will challenge this landmark ruling. We are keenly observing these developments, let’s see what happens.
3. How has the new resolution in CPI(M) party changed your approach in Bengal elections?
See, BJP is the main danger. All secular, democratic forces have to be brought together.
4. Will the CPI (M) be a part of a coalition that has TMC also, or is that non-negotiable?
Nothing is non-negotiable in politics. But, it must be noted that Mamata Banerjee is the only chief minister out of the Opposition CMs who attended the Prime Minister’s meeting to discuss Mahatma Gandhi’s 150th birth anniversary celebration. Mamata wants to be a part of both the Opposition and the government. In 2019 polls, we will maximise anti-BJP forces. How that will happen needs to be seen.