KOLKATA: The clamour in favour of forging an alliance with Congress today grew louder in the CPI(M) state committee today, with several party leaders calling for either an alliance or an electoral pact with Congress to take on the "bigger evil" TMC.
"Near about 54 state committee members have placed their views on the first day. Out of them, most have expressed their views either in favour of an alliance or in favour of an electoral pact with Congress. There were also a few opposing views," a senior state committee member told PTI on condition of anonymity.
Another state committee member said those who have spoken in favour of the alliance have cited the example of Soviet Russia fighting along with the US and UK during the Second World War against the bigger evil of fascist Germany.
"Some state committee members have termed Trinamool Congress as a bigger evil and said it is the need of the hour to fight along with the Congress against the undemocratic and semi-Fascist TMC. Certain leaders from districts of North Bengal have said that people who are opposed to TMC are looking up to the CPI(M) and the party needs to respect their views and hopes," the state committee member said.
The CPI(M) is holding its two day state committee meet, which will take a call on electoral tactics, including an alliance with Congress. The final decision on the issue will be taken by the party's Central Committee on February 17 and 18.
With the West Bengal Assembly polls coming up in a few months, the state leadership of CPI(M) and Congress have been advocating an alliance to take on the ruling TMC.
Yesterday, the CPI(M)-led opposition Left Front formally agreed to discuss the issue of alliance with Congress if it was approached.
Former chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and CPI(M) state secretary Surjya Kanta Mishra have called upon the Congress to join hands with the Left Front to oust the TMC from Bengal.