Kolkata: 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.
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.
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.
Advertisement
Mr Bose said, "elections are being held in six phases so there is no problem if candidates are also announced in parts."
Advertisement
COMMENTS
Advertisement
"Left Trying To Control INDIA Bloc's Agenda, Won't Accept It": Mamata Banerjee New Ministers To Take Oath On December 29 In Big Kerala Cabinet Reshuffle In Tripura Seat-Sharing, Left Front To Contest 47 Seats, Ally Congress 13 Who Is Jasveen Sangha, "Ketamine Queen" Charged With Matthew Perry's Death "Don't Expect Anything From Me": Kolkata Hospital's New Principal Loses Cool Nurse Raped, Killed On Way Home, Body Found 9 Days Later In UP CSAB 2024 Supernumerary Round Counselling Registration Begins Today Telangana Women's Commission Orders Probe Into KTR's Remarks What Is The Dinosaur-Killing Asteroid's Origin? Scientists Have An Answer Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.