The upcoming Assembly elections in West Bengal are shaping up to be a crucial test for the Communist Party of India (Marxist), or CPM, as it seeks not only to regain political relevance but also to fight what many see as an existential battle in the state.

The party, which once dominated West Bengal’s political landscape for over three decades, has struggled to regain its footing after losing power in 2011. However, CPM leaders draw some encouragement from the slight increase in vote share recorded in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections compared to the 2021 state Assembly polls.

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Strengths

Party leaders say the 20-day “Bangla Bachao Yatra”, held across the state in November and December last year, received a positive response from the public. They believe this outreach programme has helped reconnect the party with grassroots supporters.

The CPM is also expected to centre its electoral campaign on allegations of corruption against the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC).

In addition, the party continues to project the clean image and austere lifestyle of its leaders as a key contrast with its political rivals.

Weaknesses

Despite these strengths, political observers point to the party’s steep electoral decline over the past decade.

In the 2011 Assembly elections, the CPM-led Left Front secured around 39 per cent of the vote. By the 2021 Assembly polls, that figure had dropped to less than five per cent, underscoring the party’s shrinking support base.

Analysts also highlight the ageing leadership within the party and the limited induction of younger leaders as a significant challenge.

Opportunities

The CPM hopes to build on the modest rise in vote share seen between the 2021 Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.

The Left Front also continues to benefit from its long-standing “secular” image, which has helped it retain support among certain sections of the electorate.

Party leaders say efforts are underway to bring in fresh faces and energise the organisation ahead of the polls.

Challenges

However, the road ahead remains difficult.

Unlike the previous two Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, the Left Front currently has no seat-sharing agreement with the Congress, which could complicate its electoral strategy.

The party has also faced criticism after CPM leader Mohammad Salim met suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir, a move some political observers have interpreted as a sign of desperation within the leadership.

Kabir has recently been at the centre of controversy over his proposal to build a Babri Masjid-style mosque in Murshidabad district, further fuelling political debate.