Tie-up with Cong led to CPI(M)'s debacle in W Bengal: CPI(ML)

CPI(ML) today launched a sharp attack on CPI(M) following its drubbing in West Bengal assembly polls, saying the latter emerged as the "biggest loser" due to its "most ill-judged" tactical tie-up with Congress.
The party also urged all Left Forces to draw appropriate lessons from the "disastrous tactical course" of CPI(M) in the state and strengthen Marxist movement nationally in a united manner.
CPI(ML) said that the outcome of assembly polls in five states were a "shot in the arm" for BJP and said the NDA major's "emphatic rise" to power in Assam comes across as a "new challenge" for democratic forces in the border state even as it noted the results are a "major blow" for Congress.

"CPI(M) had a lot of stake in Kerala and West Bengal but while the party managed to come back to power in Kerala, in West Bengal the party emerged as the biggest loser thanks to its most ill-judged tactical tie-up with Congress," CPI(ML) said in a statement.
CPI(ML) attributed the loss of CPI(M), which was relegated to third position, its "stubborn" refusal to undertake any "serious" introspection.
"...And (also) rectification on the major blunders that had brought about the Left Front government's collapse in 2011 and reinvent itself as an effective and credible opposition party," CPI(ML) added.

CPI(ML) said Congress gained "disproportionately" thanks to votes transferred by CPI(M).

"CPI(ML) appeals to all Left forces to draw appropriate lessons from CPI(M)'s disastrous tactical course in West Bengal and strengthen the united and independent role of the Left nationally," it urged.
It said "the inroads made by BJP in two traditionally Left-inclined states of Kerala and West Bengal are a cause for concern," it added.