CPI-M expels 7 after vandalism at Kaliganj party office

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) on Friday cracked down on internal dissent in Nadia district, expelling seven party members accused of vandalising its Kaliganj local office following controversy over the nomination of Sabina Yasmin ~ mother of slain child Tamanna Khatun ~ as a candidate for the upcoming Assembly elections.

In a statement issued by Nadia district secretary Meghlal Sheikh, the party announced the immediate expulsion of Saidul Sheikh, Sentu Sheikh, Zahiruddin Ahmed, Ajay Sarkar, Modasser Mir, M. Rahman and Hanif Mohammad, all of whom were active party members. The disciplinary action came three days after violence erupted at the party office, exposing simmering factional tensions within the local unit.

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According to party sources, the accused allegedly entered the CPI-M office soon after the announcement of candidates in the first phase and damaged furniture, smashing chairs and tables during a protest against the selection of Ms Yasmin. The office premises briefly turned into a battleground as party workers and supporters reportedly clashed with one another.

Political observers view the swift disciplinary action as an attempt by the party leadership to send a clear message against indiscipline and rein in dissent ahead of the elections.

The controversy began on Tuesday when Left Front chairman Biman Bose announced candidates for 192 Assembly constituencies in the first phase, with the nomination from Kaliganj drawing particular attention. The selection of Ms Yasmin ~ whose nine-year-old daughter Tamanna Khatun was killed in a bomb attack last year ~ was seen as both symbolic and politically significant.

Tamanna had died on the day of the Kaliganj Assembly bypoll results last year after a bomb allegedly hurled during a victory procession struck near her home. The family was known locally as CPI-M supporters. Ms Yasmin had earlier refused financial compensation offered by the state government, a decision that had drawn public attention.

The nomination, however, triggered discontent among sections of local party workers, some of whom reportedly opposed the choice. Opposition parties, including the Trinamul Congress, accused the CPI-M of politicising the child’s death, an allegation rejected by the Left leadership.

Responding to reports of internal resentment earlier, Ms Yasmin had maintained that she contested at the people’s request and claimed she received overwhelming support from party workers. She suggested that disturbances may have been instigated by rival political forces.

Meanwhile, the CPI-M on Thursday announced candidates for another 32 Assembly seats, indicating that the party is moving ahead with its election preparations despite internal turbulence in certain pockets.