Biman calls CPI-M ex-state committee member, advises against resignation

Senior Left Front leader Biman Bose has reportedly failed in his bid to persuade former state committee member Pratikur Rahaman to reconsider his resignation, deepening speculation over the young leader’s possible switch ahead of the Assembly election.

Sources in the CPI-M said Bose personally reached out to Rahaman over the phone, inviting him for a meeting at the party’s Alimuddin Street headquarters in an effort to address his grievances. The move came amid concerns within a section of the party that losing a young, articulate minority face like Rahaman could hurt the Left’s prospects in the 2026 Assembly polls.

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However, the outreach appears to have yielded little result. Rahaman confirmed receiving a call from an unfamiliar number and being informed that Bose wished to speak with him. During the conversation, he was invited to attend a meeting at Alimuddin. Rahaman, however, declined the proposal. “I cannot disregard his instruction,” Rahaman is learnt to have told Bose. “But given the present circumstances, I will not be able to face you.” While expressing personal respect for the veteran leader, Rahaman reportedly conveyed his deep disillusionment with the party. He is understood to have raised several organisational and political issues in the past which, according to him, did not receive adequate attention from the leadership. The repetition of such instances over a prolonged period is said to have prompted him to take what he described as a firm decision.

Party insiders admit that Rahaman’s resignation from the state and district committees has triggered considerable debate within the Left camp. His departure comes at a time when the CPI-M is attempting to recalibrate its strategy and broaden its outreach, especially among minority communities and younger voters.

Speculation is rife that Rahaman may join the ruling Trinamul Congress within the week. The development has added to the political churn ahead of the Assembly elections, where every move is being weighed carefully by parties seeking to consolidate their support base. Breaking his silence on Monday, Rahaman said he has been contacted by almost all major political parties since his resignation letter became public. However, he refrained from disclosing his next course of action.

“Time will tell whether I continue in active politics or choose a different path,” he said, keeping both supporters and critics guessing. For now, his decision to turn down Bose’s invitation has made one thing clear: there appears to be no room for reconciliation at this stage.