West Bengal polls 2016: Left releases 1st list of 116 candidates

Kolkata, March 7: Left Front chairman Biman Bose on Monday (March 7) announced names of 116 Left candidates for the seven-phase Assembly election in West Bengal between April 4 and May 5.

Earlier, Tv reports said 108 names were finalised.

The party has taken a balanced approach in this election by choosing new faces besides some experienced ones.

Bose said the Left has decided to field 68 new faces this time, besides 16 women and 25 minority candidates.

The Left's announcement came three days after Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee announced names of candidates for all 294 seats in the Assembly.

Understanding with Congress, not alliance, stresses Left chairman Biman Bose

Bose also said the Left has entered into a front with parties that also aim to beat Mamata Banerjee this year. "We are working with Congress with a common aim to defeat the TMC. We will take care of the fact that the anti-TMC votes do not get divided," he said.

He said the Left is in an understanding with the Congress. "Do not mix it up with an alliance." he said.

He also said that the Left will not share stage with the Congress ahead of this election.

Oneindia News