Left to leave ‘A Few More Seats’ for Congress in Tripura Assembly Polls

Senior Communist Party of India leader said in Agartala on Sunday that a seat-sharing formula is being worked out under which the CPI(M)-led Left Front will give more seats to its ally Congress than what was agreed earlier. Will leave some more seats. Sitaram Yechury had also indicated in Kolkata that the party was hopeful of reaching a consensus with the Congress on seat-sharing. 

Pavitra Kar said, “We had the first round of meeting with Congress leaders regarding seat sharing. Congress leaders are demanding more seats. This matter is under the consideration of the Left parties including the CPI(M). He indicated that the Congress would be given “a few more seats”. It will be finalized by the central leadership of both the parties.” On Saturday, an ‘angry’ Congress announced candidates for 17 Assembly seats out of 60-member Assembly, leaving analysts flummoxed.

Birajit Sinha and Sudip Roy Barman are set to contest from Agartala respectively, they could not be contacted despite several attempts. However, the CPI(M) leadership in Kolkata indicated that the talks may take another day or two. Yechury said, “For the first time (in Tripura), we are entering into an electoral pact with other forces. By February 2, we think some seat arrangement will be adjusted.” Yechury said, “We are not contesting all 60 seats in Tripura and there will be an adjustment of seats with the Congress and other secular democratic forces in the state.”

He said, “There can be no question of holding free and fair elections unless democracy and democratic rights are protected and for this all forces who believe in the Indian Constitution need to come together.” The BJP has announced 54 candidates, including Pratima Bhoumik, for the Tripura assembly elections to be held on February 16.