After losing shine in rural battle in West Bengal, CPI(M) was battered in mini urban polls also, the results of which were declared today the 2nd July. Out of the 13 urban municipalities, Left Front (LF) won a meager 5 and the opposition won 8. Last time the LF won 9 municipalities. However this time the CPI(M) lost 4 more municipalities bringing down the LF tally from 9 to 5 only.
The Trinomul Congress (TMC) snatched away 3 and Congress (INC) won 1, from the CPI(M). This was a mini poll representing only about 10% of total Municipalities in West Bengal. But this poll has added significance as it came, back to back after Rural (Panchayat) Polls, where CPI(M) suffered substantial reverses.
However a different story unfurled when total seats tally was analysed. Of the total 261 seats contested in 13 municipalities, LF scored 146 seats including 3 independents supported by it. CPI(M) top scored with 106 seats down from 134 seat in previous election.. The TMC came second with 55 and INC third with 41 seat tally.
From results it was also clear that in two municipalities, Viz, Midnapore and Habra, TMC would have to form Board with the help of INC. Conversely in Dubrajpur and Alipurduar INC would have to form board with the help of TMC
In May this year, the CPI(M) lost two district councils to TMC in the Panchayat Polls apart from losing scores of Panchayat Samities and Gram Panchayats. In the Panchayat Polls, the District Council tally was CPI(M)-13, Trinomul-2 and Congress-2. The rural polls account for 75% of total voters of West Bengal.