Politics – Pratik Ur Rahaman Signals Exit from CPI(M) Before Bengal Polls
Politics – In a significant development ahead of the upcoming West Bengal Assembly elections, senior CPI(M) leader and youth figure Pratik Ur Rahaman has indicated his intention to step away from the party. His move comes at a politically sensitive moment, as parties across the state begin early groundwork for the next electoral battle.
Letter Sent to Party Leadership
Pratik Ur Rahaman, who earlier served as the state secretary of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) in Bengal, has formally communicated his decision to the party leadership. In a letter addressed to CPI(M) state secretary and Politburo member Md Salim, he conveyed his wish to relinquish all responsibilities, including primary membership of the party.
According to sources familiar with the communication, Rahaman cited growing discomfort with certain recent activities and policy directions within the organisation. He expressed that these differences had left him dissatisfied and made it difficult for him to continue in his roles.
Party insiders confirmed that his resignation has not yet been formally accepted.
Internal Unease Over Political Outreach
The backdrop to Rahaman’s decision appears to be internal disagreement over recent political developments. Leaders within the party have been discussing a meeting between Md Salim and suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir, which reportedly took place at a hotel in New Town.
Humayun Kabir, who has launched a new political platform named the Janata Unnayan Party (JUP), had recently appealed to opposition forces—excluding the ruling Trinamool Congress—to consider an electoral understanding aimed at challenging the state government in the next Assembly elections.
Some younger members within the CPI(M), including Rahaman, were reportedly uneasy about any engagement with Kabir. Concerns were heightened by Kabir’s past controversies. During the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in West Bengal, he faced criticism from sections of the public and political parties over statements that were widely viewed as communal and offensive to Hindu sentiments.
Social Media Post Reflects Frustration
The internal tension became more visible after Rahaman shared a message on social media, stating that working in a Communist Party without adherence to ideals was not possible. The remark was interpreted by several observers as a reflection of deeper dissatisfaction within a section of the party’s younger leadership.
Although he did not elaborate publicly on the specific triggers behind his decision, the timing of his post, combined with the reported meeting between senior leaders and Kabir, intensified speculation about ideological differences within the state unit.
Rahaman Calls It an Internal Matter
Speaking briefly to the media on Monday, Rahaman maintained that he holds no personal resentment against anyone in the party. He confirmed that he had informed the leadership about his decision and said he had not been contacted by them following his letter.
Describing the situation as an internal organisational issue, he declined to make further comments.
Political Implications Ahead of Elections
Rahaman’s potential departure may have implications for the CPI(M)’s youth outreach in West Bengal. Known as one of the younger faces of the party in the state, he had been active in student politics and grassroots mobilisation. His exit, if formalised, could signal broader unease within sections of the cadre as parties recalibrate strategies ahead of the Assembly polls.
With the electoral contest expected to intensify in the coming months, developments within opposition ranks are likely to be closely watched. For now, the CPI(M) leadership has not issued an official statement on the matter, leaving room for further internal discussions.