The Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are locked in a direct political fight ahead of the West Bengal elections. However, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI(M))-led Left Front's role remains uncertain, especially regarding its electoral strength and ability to act as a third force.
The Left Front, led by the CPI(M), governed Bengal for 34 consecutive years (1977–2011) until the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC threw the CPI(M) out of power 15 years ago. Despite fielding over 200 candidates, its voter base has reduced over time, a trend visible in earlier elections.
The Left rose as a strong force during the 1960s and 1970s, introducing land reform measures and retaining support among many people. However, it also depended on force and violence in some instances to maintain control.
Today, politics in West Bengal is mainly a contest between the TMC and BJP, leaving little space for the Left and even the Congress. The CPI(M) is attempting to build alliances with parties sharing similar views to take on both the TMC and BJP this time.
The shrinking vote base remains a major reason behind the Left's limited role in the state. In the 2021 assembly elections, the CPI(M) could not secure even one seat in the state, while the BJP witnessed a strong rise in its support.
This time too, the main contest is likely to be between the TMC and BJP, with other parties, including the CPI(M) and Congress, expected to have a limited role, mostly splitting votes in close contests between the two main parties.
