Kolkata, Feb 14 : The CPM on Friday acknowledged growing tensions with the Congress, describing the relationship as “critically friendly” amid disagreements over recognition of cooperation at the state level.
Addressing the media, CPM General Secretary M. A. Baby alleged that Congress is taking a “sectarian approach” and refusing to acknowledge collaborative efforts among secular, democratic, and progressive forces. He added that under the INDIA alliance framework, cooperation would be state-specific, and internal contests among alliance partners in certain areas should not be exploited by the BJP. “Our goal was to avoid mutual contests in at least 400 of the 543 Lok Sabha seats, but challenges remain among INDIA bloc partners,” Baby said.
Meanwhile, CPM Bengal Secretary Md Salim said that discussions with state allies are ongoing, and the party aims to finalise seat-sharing arrangements with the ISF at the upcoming Left Front meeting scheduled for February 18. He added that the vision document for the state would also be ready by then.
The CPM also launched a new website, banglabachao.com, on Friday to highlight key issues in West Bengal and consolidate its outreach ahead of the elections.