The CPM, in a departure from tradition of sorts, has decided to field 20 young faces and three veterans in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, which means over 80 per cent candidates are below the age of 40.
Sayan Banerjee, an advocate in his 20s, is contesting from Nandigram, while Srijan Bhattacharya — who just touched the age of 30 — is contesting from Jadavpur constituency. Another young face in the fray is Dipsita Dhar, an ex-JNU student, who is also the same age and has been fielded from Sreerampur. Saira Halim, niece of Bollywood veteran Naseeruddin Shah, is contesting from South Kolkata. As per party insiders, the infusion of new blood may help increase the Left’s vote share in the polls.
Speaking to News18, CPM secretary Md Salim said: “The fight is to save this country, its unity and diversity. The future of our democratic, secular Republic depends on this election. This fight must be youth-driven. Progressive means futuristic and regression always make the past look glorious. The resurrection of the Left is essential for resurgence of Bengal.”
As of now, the party has no representation in the Lok Sabha or assembly from Bengal.
Speaking to News18, Halim said: “It’s creating a positive impact with voters as people are tired of seeing old, jaded and corrupt netas.”
As per experts, the Left has been out of power for more than 11 years and there is need for rejuvenation. This time, the Left is in a seat-sharing arrangement with the Congress and both feel their vote share will increase. Party insiders told News18 that as per ground reports, the party will win in Murshidabad from where Md Salim is contesting.
A senior CPM leader said: “Why do you think Mamata Banerjee is raising slogans against Left and Congress? Because if anti-BJP vote goes to Left and Congress, it’s going to be bad for TMC. That’s why Mamata Banerjee is attacking us every day.”
Political experts agree that Banerjee’s tough stance against Left-Congress combine is a sign that she is wary of the alliance and is thus presenting TMC as the only opposer to the BJP.
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