CPM blames US for slide in Bengal

The CPM, which had until now held its West Bengal unit responsible for successive election defeats in its stronghold in the last two years, has added an international dimension to the string of debacles.

The CPM, which had until now held its West Bengal unit responsible for successive election defeats in its stronghold in the last two years, has added an international dimension to the string of debacles.

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In its confidential review report adopted at a special session of the party, which concluded on Tuesday, the CPM concluded that “United States imperialism” was behind the weakening of its Bengal unit.

The CPM-led Left Front has been continuously ruling West Bengal since 1977. Faced with a near-certain defeat in the 2011 assembly elections, the party’s central leadership has for the first time given this reason for its weakening grip on the citadel.

Analysing the 2009 general elections, in which the CPM recorded its worst electoral performance, the party launched an onslaught on its Bengal unit.

“West Bengal, the bastion of the party and the Left, has come in for special attack. This is due to the prominent role played by the CPI(M) in national politics in opposing the strategic alliance with the US imperialism and determined struggles to oppose neo-liberal policies,” it said.