The CPI(M)-led Left Front is reconsidering its seat-sharing pact with Congress for the 2026 Bengal Assembly polls after Congress’s poor performance in the Bihar elections, triggering fresh internal objections and raising questions about the alliance’s future strategy and electoral viability.
Internal debates within the CPI(M)-led Left Front in West Bengal intensified on Saturday, as objections grew louder over continuing the seat-sharing arrangement with the Congress for the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The rising discontent follows the Mahagathbandhan’s (MGB) disappointing performance in the recently concluded Bihar Assembly polls, with the Congress’s results drawing the sharpest criticism.
The Bihar verdict, announced on Friday, has rekindled long-standing friction within the Left Front regarding the efficacy of partnering with Congress. While the All India Forward Bloc (AIFB) and the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) had already expressed disapproval of continuing the pact, this time opposition has begun emerging from within the CPI(M) itself.
A senior CPI(M) Central Committee member, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said the outcome in Bihar has forced a “serious internal reassessment” of Congress’s role and relevance within the alliance.
“Until now, only our alliance partners like the Forward Bloc and RSP objected to continuing seat-sharing with the Congress for 2026. But after Bihar, questions are now being raised from within the CPI(M) as well about whether continuing the arrangement makes political sense,” the leader said.
Concerns Over Congress’s Seat Demands in Bihar
According to this faction of the CPI(M), two major issues underpin the growing dissatisfaction.
Firstly, leaders argue that the Mahagathbandhan’s tally in Bihar could have been stronger had the Congress not insisted on contesting 61 seats. The CPI(M) faction believes that Congress’s central leadership “arm-twisted” allies into accepting an inflated seat demand, even in constituencies where other MGB partners had stronger winning prospects.
“The Congress leadership forced its claim on more seats than justified. Had they allowed better-placed allies to contest in some of these constituencies, the MGB might have secured a significantly better tally,” the leader added.
Doubts About Congress’s Ability to Transfer Votes
Secondly, there are rising concerns about whether Congress can reliably transfer votes to the CPI(M) or other Left partners during joint contests. While the CPI(M) claims it is disciplined enough to mobilise its cadre base to support Congress candidates during seat-sharing, many within the party doubt that Congress can reciprocate effectively.
“CPI(M) is regimented and can transfer votes to its allies when necessary. But there is no guarantee the Congress can do the same for us. Their organisational weakness makes this a one-sided arrangement,” the leader pointed out.
Leadership Changes Add Uncertainty
Another concern stems from leadership changes within both parties. The CPI(M) leader noted that the original architects of the Left-Congress seat-sharing model are no longer in active politics.
“The seat-sharing pact was largely shaped by two leaders — our former General Secretary, the late Sitaram Yechury, and former State Congress President Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury. With both no longer at the centre of alliance-building, neither the current Congress leadership nor our national leadership seems enthusiastic about continuing it,” he said.
History of the Left-Congress Seat Pact
The Left Front and the Congress had first joined hands for the 2016 West Bengal Assembly elections. The alliance did not extend to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections but returned in full strength during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly polls. They again collaborated for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, though the coalition failed to translate its combined vote share into significant seats.
Future of the 2026 Alliance Uncertain
With the Bihar results acting as a catalyst, internal tensions have sharpened, prompting renewed discussion on whether the alliance remains electorally viable for 2026. While no formal decision has yet been taken, CPI(M) insiders admit that the seat-sharing formula may face a “complete overhaul” or even be abandoned if the Congress does not demonstrate stronger organisational readiness ahead of next year’s polls.
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As Bengal’s highly competitive political landscape prepares for another intense electoral year, the Left Front’s growing doubts over its partnership with Congress could reshape the state’s pre-poll formations and realign broader opposition strategies.
