Kolkata, 16 August (H.S.) — BJP IT cell chief and the party’s central observer for West Bengal, Amit Malviya, has launched a sharp attack on the CPI(M)-led Left Front, describing it as the “ultimate support-cum-comfort cushion” for the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the state.

Malviya posted a picture on his official X handle showing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sharing a cordial moment with Left Front Chairman Biman Bose at a tea ceremony hosted by Governor C.V. Ananda Bose at Raj Bhavan on Independence Day. Using the image to drive home his point, he reiterated his long-standing claim that the Communists in Bengal function as “the B-Team of TMC.”

“Every vote for the Left only strengthens Mamata Banerjee,” Malviya asserted, accusing Left parties of repeatedly acting as a distraction whenever the TMC came under pressure. He cited examples including the Sandeshkhali controversy, protests over the RG Kar Medical College case, and the recent Lok Sabha elections — where, according to him, Left candidates split anti-TMC votes in Dum Dum, Jadavpur, Sreerampur and other constituencies, helping TMC secure victories.

Appealing directly to Left supporters, Malviya urged them not to “waste” their votes. “To all well-meaning former cadres and supporters of the Left: this is the moment to unite, to fight together, and to defeat TMC’s misrule. Vote for the BJP. Vote to save Bengal,” he said.

Traditionally, both CPI(M) and the Congress have accused the BJP and TMC of having a tacit understanding, alleging that central investigative agencies deliberately go soft on TMC leaders involved in financial scams. However, Malviya’s remarks mark a rare instance of a senior national BJP leader explicitly branding the Left Front as a political shield for Mamata Banerjee’s party in West Bengal.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh