Kolkata- In a move seen as a departure from its traditional cadre-based structure, the CPI(M) in West Bengal announced its intention to hire professionals and experts to bolster its organizational and campaign strategies. The announcement, made by state secretary and politburo member Md Salim on Friday, comes as the party seeks to revamp its approach ahead of the crucial 2026 Assembly elections.

Salim posted an advertisement on his Facebook wall seeking professionals from six fields: political analysts, political interns, content writers, graphic designers, and digital marketing executives. The advertisement emphasizes the goal of transforming and reforming public policies for the people.

This move draws a parallel to the Indian Political Action Committee (I-PAC), founded by Prashant Kishor, though the CPI(M) will exclusively employ its hired professionals, unlike I-PAC, which offers its services to various political parties. The Trinamool Congress, for example, hired I-PAC's services during the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections.

Political observers view this decision as a significant shift for the CPI(M), which has historically relied on its dedicated party cadres, including whole-timers who receive a nominal monthly honorarium. This cadre-based structure was a cornerstone of the CPI(M)-led Left Front's long-standing rule in West Bengal from 1977 to 2011.

However, the party's grip began to weaken with the Trinamool Congress's rise to power in 2011, leading to a significant decline in its vote share. The Left Front has failed to secure any seats in the state Assembly or in the Lok Sabha elections in 2019, 2021, and 2024. Even alliances with the Congress, which began in the 2016 West Bengal Assembly polls and continued until the general elections this year, have not yielded positive results.

The CPI(M)'s hiring decision appears to be a strategic move to address these challenges and regain ground in the upcoming 2026 Assembly elections.

(Source- IANS)