KOLKATA 28 FEB: The CPI(M), Congress, and Indian Secular Front (ISF) much-talked-about alliance undoubtedly pulled huge crowds at the Brigade Parade ground. But, it was the discordant note played by Indian Secular Front Chief Abbas Siddiqui that served the first jolt to the alliance.
Notably, Abbas Siddiqui exhorted the crowds to vote for the CPI(M). But, for the tie-up with Congress, he said that he was not there to satisfy any party or group, he was there to demand his equal share in the alliance.
“I have not come here to please anybody or beg. I want an equal share of the seats. If you want friendship, my doors are open,” Siddiqui added.
According to Siddiqui, after speaking with the CPI(M) leaders, they had come to an understanding that ISF will be contesting in 30 seats. Also, they agreed to lend their support to the Left Front candidates who will be contesting from various constituencies.
Surprisingly, when Siddiqui approached the dais, it created an unsavoury scene as Md Selim wanted to stop Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury who was addressing the crowd and wanted Siddiqui to share his comment. Interestingly, a furious Chowdhury stopped his speech and was ready to leave. In fact, it took Biman Bose to intervene to save the situation as he persuaded Chowdhury to continue with the speech.
“We want Bhagidari for Dalits, Muslims, and tribals in the government. We will not remain vote-bank. Bangla’s chief minister has lost her sleep,” said Siddiqui.
Further, Siddiqui challenged that he will ensure Mamata’s defeat and reduce her to a big flop show. Siddiqui added, “This is my promise to my people.“
It may be mentioned that Siddiqui was initially intakes with Asauddin Owaisi party All India Majlis Ittehad -e Muslimeen(AIMIM) for an alliance . However after the Left and Congress reached out to him Siddiqui seemed to have dumped Owaisi and chose his new allies.
Main Thrust: Congress and CPI(M) Speech at Brigade Rally
According to both Congress and CPI(M), this new front will be an alternative union with TMC and BJP. Moving on, TMC and BJP will be on one side and Congress, CPI(M) and ISF will be the other part of the combined association.
Surjya Kanta Mishra, CPI(M) leader, said, “Although, TMC and BJP try to portray to the masses that they are opposing each other, both the parties have an understanding of their own. In fact, they are backing each other. While Mamata wants Modi to stay at the Centre, Modi wants Mamata to stay in power at the state level. So, it will be beneficial for both of them.”
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congress leader, said, “The alliance is an alternative force. The crowd shows that money power and muscle power is far behind people’s emotion and values. This force will form the government in Bengal and today people’s huge support proves that people also want a different political force in Bengal.”
According to Chowdhury, the Prime Minister of India and the chief minister of West Bengal are merely the two sides of the same coin. So, he feels there is a need for an alternative party in Bengal.
What Political analysts feel
The BJP has been quite happy with the developments of Siddiqui as they believed that it would not only split Mamata’s vote bank but will also help to polarise the Hindus against the rise of Muslim fundamentalism.
Sabyasachi Basu Roy Chaudhuri prof of Political science at Rabindra Bharati University said “ Even if the Left Congress and ISF ’s alliance fail to significantly damage the TMC’s suppoort base among the Muslim community the alliance will help BJP to polarise the Hindu votes .