Probodh Panda replaces Manju Kumar Majumdar, becomes new CPI Bengal secretary

KOLKATA: Bengal CPI has replaced state secretary Manju Kumar Majumdar with Probodh Panda, a former MP and a leader of the party’s peasant wing. Majumdar has been CPI state secretary since 2000.

Following the development, Left circles are curiously watching if CPM would follow CPI’s cue. Biman Bose was made CPM state secretary since 2006 and was re-elected in February 2012.

Party sources indicated that Bose may vacate the post during the state conference in Kolkata early next month. In case Bose quits CPM and CPI will face next year’s assembly elections with a new set of leadership.

Top leaders held power for more than a decade at a stretch in the Communist parties. Harkishen Singh Surjeet was CPM general secretary for 14 years since 1992. CPI’s AB Bardhan functioned as national secretary for 16 years .