Communist Get together of India (Marxist) MP Mohammad Salim addresses a press convention on the CPI (M) get together head workplace in Kolkata, on February 20, 2026. | Picture Credit score: ANI
“There is no such thing as a foyer within the get together that favors anybody,” Mohammad Salim, West Bengal State secretary of the Communist Get together of India (Marxist)stated on Friday (February 20, 2026), rejecting allegations of lobbying and favoritism raised by estranged chief Pratik Ur Rahman.
The senior CPI(M) chief prevented taking any direct questions on Mr. Rahman, at the same time as political hypothesis grows in regards to the latter presumably becoming a member of the ruling Trinamool Congress.
Mr. Salim additionally aimed the TMC and the Bharatiya Janata Get together (BJP)saying neither get together has “unique” younger leaders and that the majority are “stolen”, “rented” or “poached” from different events. His remarks come days after Mr. Rahman resigned from his put up within the CPI(M) and publicly aired his variations with the State management.
The veteran CPI(M) chief additional added that particular person exits from the get together can’t weaken the get together. “CPI(M) just isn’t that weak that it’s going to finish as a result of some folks have resigned… We will solely attempt to save folks (referring to Mr Rahman) when they’re drowning, however we should additionally keep alert so that you simply your self don’t die making an attempt to save lots of somebody,” Mr. Salim added.
Mr. Salim additional added that that is just the start, and with time, many individuals will change sides between TMC and BJP earlier than the elections. He additionally added that Mr. Rahman’s model worth is growing as a result of he’s questioning CPI(M) and has helped him come to the limelight.
After his estrangement from the left, Mr. Rahman has given a number of interviews to native media homes and been vocal about his variations with the get together, particularly Mr Salim. He has additionally showered praises on the TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee, giving rise to critical political hypothesis that he could quickly be becoming a member of arms with the ruling get together.
“The best way our CM, Mamata Banerjee, fought on the Supreme Court docket, no different CM has carried out this. They (CPI(M)) are saying that is all a stunt. I ask, why did CPI(M) chief Kerala CM, Pinarayi Vijayan, or MA Child, not do that stunt? This could have not less than despatched a message to the general public,” Mr. Rahman instructed a neighborhood media home. He additionally went on to reward the Lakshmir Bhandar (social safety scheme for girls) began by the TMC.
He additionally questioned the CPI(M) management’s choice to fulfill with suspended TMC MLA Humayun Kabir for a dialogue on an alliance within the upcoming 2026 State Meeting elections. Mr. Rahman has additionally accused that he was not allowed to ask questions inside his personal get together and that he was not allowed inside get together conferences, each public and closed-door conferences.
Mr. Rahman was a West Bengal State committee member who resigned from his place on the get together on February 15, citing variations with the get together’s management and their views.
“I, Pratik Ur Rahaman, am a full-time employee on the get together. Presently, I’m not in a position to align with some ideologies and steps taken by the State and district committee of the get together… Therefore, I’ve determined to resign from my put up within the get together,” Mr. Rahman’s resignation letter acknowledged.
The estranged chief fought the 2024 Lok Sabha elections towards TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee from the Diamond Harbor constituency.
Printed – February 21, 2026 03:40 am IST