Kolkata, Oct. 26 -- With preparations for the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) elections gathering pace, the Left Front is likely to finalise its candidate list by the end of this month.
The ruling BJP has begun preparations to finalise its nominees, while the Left parties have held a series of meetings to narrow down their choices. The final list is likely to be approved at another Kolkata district Left Front meeting scheduled for the last day of October. A few seats may also be allotted to the CPI(ML) as part of efforts to strengthen broader Left unity.
The redrawing of municipal wards, which has increased the number from 144 to 209, has prompted demands from Left allies for a larger share of seats. Following the formula adopted during the Assembly elections, the CPI(M) has asked each constituent to justify its claims with details of its electoral support, voter base and organisational strength.
The alliance has also stressed that candidates must be locally popular, have clean reputations and remain committed to the party, resisting inducements or threats to withdraw nominations or switch sides after winning.
The CPI(M) is considering a mix of experienced candidates, including former councillors and previous contestants, and younger faces aged between 22 and 26.
A Kolkata district Left Front leader said the list would be finalised by month-end.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.