West Bengal opposition leader Surjya Kanta Mishra and Left Front chairman Biman Bose during a meeting in Kolkata on Monday, March 7, 2016. (Press Trust of India photo)
The Left Front in West Bengal today announced an incomplete list of candidates for the Assembly polls that begin in less than a month from now. Out of 294 seats, names were declared for 116 by Biman Bose, chairman of the Left Front.
According to sources, one of the reasons for the partial list is seat negotiations with the Congress. Mr Bose, however, said the Left and the Congress would not campaign jointly or share a platform.
"But yes we are working at an understanding with the Congress to ensure that the anti-Trinamool vote is not divided," he said.
Ask if the Left Front would contest all 294 seats, Mr Bose said "wait for the other lists don't ask all questions today."
Adhir Chowdhary, Congress chief in Bengal, has however not responded positively to Mr Bose's statement. "If complications arise about the alliance don't blame us," he said.
The Trinamool Congress has already announced names to all 294 seats. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declared candidates on Friday within an hour of the Election Commission announcing poll dates.
Mr Bose said, "elections are being held in six phases so there is no problem if candidates are also announced in parts."
The big names announced today were Surya Kanta Mishra, the CPM politburo member and leader of opposition in the assembly. He will contest from Narayan Garh, his current seat. Ashok Bhattacharya will contest from Siliguri and take on Baichung Bhutia, the footballer who is the Trinamool candidate there. A former legislator from Kolkata, Rabin Deb, will contest from Singur.