In a major political sensation on March 15, 2026, veteran CPIM leader Ashok Bhattacharya admitted that a section of Left supporters had voted for the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in previous elections specifically to oust the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Speaking at a rally in Siliguri, the former minister’s candid admission has provided fresh ammunition to the TMC, which has long alleged a secret “Ram-Vam” (BJP-Left) nexus in the state.

Despite the controversial remark, Bhattacharya remained optimistic about the future of the Left Front. He asserted, “A new sun will surely rise in West Bengal. We will be the ones to create that dawn, and we will certainly bounce back.” While the statement aimed to encourage party cadres to return to their ideological roots, it has put the Alimuddin Street leadership in a tight spot just hours before the Election Commission announces the poll schedule. Political analysts suggest that this admission might polarize voters further as the battle for Bengal intensifies.