Left Front keeps options open on alliance talks

Speculation over possible political realignments ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections intensified on Friday after Left Front chairman Biman Bose did not categorically rule out discussions with the Janata Unnayan Party (JUP), floated recently by expelled Trinamul Congress MLA Humayun Kabir.

However, Mr Bose maintained that no concrete decision has yet been taken and that alliance talks remain at a preliminary stage.

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Speaking to the media, the veteran Left leader today said discussions were underway with all forces opposed to the Trinamul Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. “Alliance talks within the Left Front are on. No situation has emerged yet where we can make a public statement. Therefore, I am not saying anything outside,” Mr Bose said. Referring specifically to ISF MLA Naushad Siddique, he added that discussions with him were continuing and had not yet concluded. When asked whether the Left Front was considering an alliance with Mr Kabir’s party, Mr Bose said there had been no direct communication so far.

“Humayun Kabir and his associates have not spoken to us directly. They have conveyed their views through the media. The matter has not come up in our formal discussions yet,” he said. Political observers noted that while Mr Bose did not confirm any engagement with Mr Kabir, he also stopped short of rejecting the possibility outright, fuelling fresh speculation over potential alliances in the Opposition space. His remarks have prompted questions over whether the Left Front may consider the proposal if a formal approach is made.

Reacting sharply, Trinamul Congress spokesperson Tanmay Ghosh questioned the Left Front’s stance. “Biman Bose surely has not forgotten that Humayun Kabir has publicly stated his willingness to form a government with BJP support. How can the Left maintain any communication with someone who openly admits to aligning with the BJP?” Mr Ghosh asked.

Mr Kabir, who was suspended by the Trinamul Congress and later floated his own party about a month ago, has since launched a sustained attack on the ruling party. He has repeatedly claimed that his party could emerge as a decisive force in the next Assembly elections and has invited anti-Trinamul parties to join hands with him.

The JUP leader has said the doors for alliance talks will remain open until 30 January and has reached out to the Congress, ISF and AIMIM.

While asserting that his primary aim is to unseat the Trinamul Congress, Mr Kabir has also said he would not hesitate to accept BJP support if required to form a government. On Thursday, speaking at his office in Rejinagar, Mr Kabir claimed he would be the chief ministerial face in the 2026 elections. “I will become the chief minister after the Assembly polls. My party will win between 100 and 110 seats and emerge as the single largest party. If BJP wins 99 seats, they will have to accept me as chief minister,” he said, adding that he had no objection to taking BJP support to form the government.