Kolkata, September 20 (Daily Kiran) : The Communist Party of India (Marxist), a key player in West Bengal‘s Left Front, has initiated an online fundraising campaign ahead of the by-elections in the Nandigram and Rejinagar assembly constituencies. The appeal was shared on social media by Mohammad Salim, a member of the CPI(M) Politburo and state secretary, accompanied by a QR code for online donations.
The by-elections are scheduled for October 6, with the vote counting taking place on October 9. This fundraising effort comes at a time when the Left Front is grappling with internal challenges, particularly in Rejinagar. In Nandigram, CPI’s Shanti Gopal Giri is the consensus candidate for the Left Front, while in Rejinagar, both CPI(M) and the Revolutionary Socialist Party (RSP) have fielded their own candidates.
Tensions escalated in Rejinagar after the Left Front nominated CPI(M)’s Syed Asad Ali, leading the RSP to rebel and put forth their candidate, Vikas Chandra Mishra. Salim urged supporters to contribute to the election fund, emphasizing the need for financial support for the campaign in both constituencies.
Earlier this year, during the West Bengal assembly elections, CPI(M) also resorted to social media for fundraising, which drew mockery from the Trinamool Congress. Critics pointed out the irony of the CPI(M) seeking online donations after opposing computerization in government offices during its 34-year rule from 1977 to 2011.
CPI(M) leaders dismissed this criticism, stating that many left-leaning voters who are not active party members still wish to support the party financially during elections. A member of the state committee noted that the online donation system aims to make it easier for these voters to contribute. “Remember, our party does not have electoral bonds like others. Our leadership relies on support from the common people,” they added.
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