Congress leaders view an alliance with the Left as the only way to challenge the Trinamool Congress
A Bihar-style tie-up with the Left to fight Mamata Banerjee was foremost on the mind of Bengal Congress leaders who met Rahul Gandhi in Delhi today.
The Congress leaders reportedly told the party vice president that a majority of workers want an alliance with the Left, not the state's ruling Trinamool, for the assembly election expected in three months. Sources say the party wants to contest at least 80 of the state's 294 seats.
"We had a long discussion with Rahul Gandhi. He listened to us with attention. Although we were present there to express independent views, Rahul Gandhi assured us that all the views will be taken into cognizance," said Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the Bengal Congress chief.
Speaking to reporters, Mr Chowdhury added: "I cannot say that the alliance between Congress and CPM has been done. Rahul Gandhi assured us that in consultation with Sonia Gandhi, he will be able to conclude the chapter of alliance, either yes or no."
Adhir Chowdhury is believed to be among the Congress leaders who view an alliance with the Left as the only way to put up a credible challenge not just against the state's ruling party but also the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Some in the Congress have also debated the merits of an alliance with the Left, which is a bitter rival in another state headed for polls - Kerala. They are also worried that the Trinamool may never forgive the Congress if it does go with the Left. In today's meeting, the impact of any decision the party takes in Bengal on the 2019 national election was also discussed, say sources.
Left leaders have in recent months dropped strong hints that they are open to an alliance with the Congress. Senior CPM leaders including former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and Sitaram Yechuri have called for a united front against the Trinamool.
"It's sign the Congress and Left are not the players. The fight is between BJP and Trinamool," said BJP leader Siddharth Nath Singh.
The Left and Congress have shared an erratic alliance history. Their last partnership ended in 2008 after the Left withdrew support from the Manmohan Singh government over the India-US nuclear deal.