In their initial reactions the faces of the united Opposition – CPI (M) leader Surjya Kanta Mishra and Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury – have said that while they accept defeat they would appeal to the ruling to keep their cadres under control so they may not target the supporters of the opposition parties.
“Our party offices are targeted in many places and one of our State Committee member was attacked and such incidents are unfortunate,” said Mr. Mishra, who was defeated in Kharagpur constituency. The party offices of the Communist Party of India-Marxist were attacked in Dhupguri in north Bengal and Arambagh and Nadanghat in the south. “I would request our supporters to maintain peace and calm,” said Mr Mishra.
He alleged that Bharatiya janata Party [BJP] and TMC entered into a covert alliance. “They have adjusted at least 10-12 seats among themselves, TMC ensured BJP’s victory in Kharagpur and this is how TMC is helping the BJP to enter the State. This is a dangerous sign. To counter this, the relevance and importance of a Left, democratic and secular alliance is not fading but growing,” Mr Mishra said. However, he refused to predict the future of jot [alliance] which was forged between the CPI (M) and Congress in West Bengal.
No excuse, says Congress
Pradesh Congress president Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury said that he is accepting the defeat and owns responsibility. “There is no point in finding any excuse,” he said. However, he also added that if Left Front had not have confused the voters with contradictory statements, the alliance would have performed better.
“The alliance was not credible. At times they asked if it is an alliance or a conspiracy. Another time they said it is seat adjustment and not an alliance. It was contradictory. Moreover they put candidates in 10 seats in Murshidabad which has helped Trinamool,” Mr Chowdhury said.
Congress has not lost in terms of percentage of votes or seats, he said.
