Left’s outreach to ISF, AIMIM, Humayun triggers dissent within CPI-M
The Statesman | 14 February 2026
Seat-sharing talks ahead of the forthcoming polls have triggered unease within the Left camp, with CPI-M state secretary Muhammad Salim reaching out to multiple political players, including ISF MLA Naushad Siddique, Congress leader Humayun Kabir, and representatives of the AIMIM.
According to sources in the Left Front, Mr Salim has already held discussions with Mr Kabir as part of exploratory efforts to stitch together a broader anti-Trinamul platform. The AIMIM, too, has reportedly claimed that it was approached by the CPI-M for possible seat adjustments. The development has fuelled speculation that Mr Salim is keen on forging a wider coalition comprising Naushad, Humayun Kabir and the AIMIM in a bid to consolidate anti-TMC votes in select constituencies. However, the move has sparked sharp reactions within the CPI-M itself.
A section of senior leaders has begun questioning the political wisdom of engaging with forces they describe as proponents of “communal mobilisation.” Dissenting voices within the party argue that aligning with outfits perceived to thrive on religious identity politics would dilute the CPI-M’s ideological position and long-standing commitment to secularism. “On what basis can we justify an understanding with parties that have been accused of stoking communal sentiments?” asked a senior Left leader, requesting anonymity. “If this logic continues, what prevents us from entering into an arrangement with elements of the Sangh Parivar in the future?” he added, underscoring the depth of concern among party ranks.
The unease is not confined to the CPI-M alone. Leaders of other Left Front constituents have also expressed reservations over any prospective tie-up involving the ISF, AIMIM or Mr Kabir. According to them, an electoral understanding with such forces could alienate traditional Left voters and send conflicting signals about the Front’s ideological moorings. While no formal announcement has been made regarding any alliance, the exploratory nature of the talks has already exposed fault lines within the broader Left spectrum. Party insiders say that discussions are at a preliminary stage and are aimed at assessing ground realities rather than finalising seat-sharing formulas. Yet, the perception that the CPI-M leadership is open to engaging with a wide range of actors has led to intense internal deliberations. Political observers note that the Left, which has been struggling to regain lost ground in the state, faces the dual challenge of expanding its electoral base while preserving its ideological coherence.
Whether Mr Salim’s outreach efforts result in a cohesive opposition platform or deepen internal discord remains to be seen. For now, the proposed “larger front” appears to have generated more questions than clarity within the Left camp.