On January 13, the CPM will hold its state conference where a 1000-odd delegates will decide on the new state committee, which in turn, will select the secretariat.

Chakraborty, whose entry into the secretariat had been always opposed by Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and the late Anil Biswas, is reportedly trying again with the blessings of former chief minister Jyoti Basu.

Biman Bose, Anil Biswas, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, Shyamal Chakraborty and Subhash — CPM founder Promode Dasgupta had handpicked and groomed the five. But with Dasgupta dying in 1982, only four made it to the 13-member secretariat, some time in the eighties, while Subhas continues to languish in the committee.

“I have been a member of the state committee since 1971. If it had happened in 1985, it would have been good; now it makes no difference,” Subhas said on Tuesday, referring to his reported bid for a secretariat slot.

Party sources said Subhas has a better chance this time, since Anil Biswas is no more and Biman Bose, the current state secretary, is backing his bid. Jyoti Basu, considered by Subhas as his mentor, is also reportedly making another bid to get the minister inducted.