Kolkata, 26 February (H.S.) – In a major shake-up within the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in West Bengal, Mohammad Salim has been unanimously elected as the new state secretary. The party has restructured its 80-member state committee, notably dropping controversial leaders Susanta Ghosh and Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya. Additionally, young leader Kaltan Dasgupta has not been included, reportedly to avoid any controversy.
The reshuffle comes as part of the CPM's course correction strategy ahead of the 2026 assembly elections. Despite emphasizing youth participation, the newly formed committee lacks fresh or young faces. However, the party has slightly increased female representation, with 14 women making it to the state committee.
The exclusion of senior leaders and controversial figures has fueled speculations. Susanta Ghosh, a former minister and key figure in the infamous skeleton case, was already on thin ice. After being temporarily suspended over allegations related to a personal dispute, he was removed from his role as the district secretary of West Midnapore. Now, his exclusion from the state committee confirms his diminishing influence within the party. Instead, Bijoy Pal has been appointed as the new district secretary.
Similarly, Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya, a senior leader, has been removed due to age considerations, along with Jibesh Sarkar and Ashok Bhattacharya. This has left CPM’s North Bengal unit without any prominent faces in the state committee. Veteran leader Amiya Patra has also been excluded, though he has been retained as a special invitee.
Another notable omission is youth leader Kaltan Dasgupta. His exclusion is believed to be linked to his involvement in a viral audio controversy during the RG Kar Medical College protests. The decision signals the party's intent to distance itself from individuals entangled in controversies.
Despite claims of prioritizing student and youth leadership, the new 80-member committee features hardly any young representatives. While female representation has increased slightly, with leaders like Debolina Hembram, Meenakshi Mukherjee, and Jahanara Khan included, the absence of young and dynamic figures has sparked criticism.
Meanwhile, CPM’s North 24 Parganas unit has expressed dissatisfaction over the retention of Mrinal Chakraborty in the state committee, despite his removal from the district secretary post through voting.
Hindusthan Samachar / S P Singh
