Kolkata: The CPI(M) appears to be divided over the issue of party’s alliance with the Congress in West Bengal.
There is a palpable sense of unease in the party because such differences are normally not seen in the CPI(M) which is a cadre-based party.
The party has never faced such a situation as its Bengal unit has questioned the "political understanding" of CPI-M central leadership and challenged the decisions and political line adopted by the Party Central Committee against the teaming up with Congress.
"Debates within the party over any issue are part of (the functioning) of a communist party. But yes, this is the first time that a debate such as this where our comrades from West Bengal have openly questioned the decision of the Central Committee has come out in the open," a senior pro-alliance state committee member told PTI on the condition of anonymity.
"Our point is Bengal is facing an extraordinary situation and it calls for extraordinary steps. We had forged an electoral adjustment with Congress to protect democracy. It was fight for existence and leadership has to acknowledge the fact".
"But a section of the Central Committee members failed to understand our situation and have been accusing us of violating the party's political line. What will you do with a political line if your comrades and party supporters get killed everyday and your very existence is at stake?" he said.
At the CPI(M) state committee meeting here yesterday senior members of the Politburo, including party General Secretary Sitaram Yechury held a closed door meet with state committee members to implement the official party line.
The Central Committee had on June 20, over a month after the poll result in the state which saw Trinamool Congress ride back to power, said the electoral tactics adopted in West Bengal was not in "consonance" with its decision not to have an alliance or understanding with Congress.
Stating that this should be rectified, it also stressed the importance of adhering to the political-tactical line adopted at the 21st Congress of the Party.
The Central Committee had then authorised the Politburo to ensure its implementation in consultation with the state leadership of the party.
But with the central leadership trying to enforce the official line, it is facing a stiff opposition from its Bengal unit.
(With PTI inputs)
