Nandi, who is a sitting MP, was nominated despite objections from party ranks in the area. Sources said, in the 2004 Lok Sabha elections Nandi’s victory was possible because Basu played a vital role to bring together groups divided between Nandi and Transport Minister Subhas Chakraborty.

The infighting in the Dum Dum belt has become more alarming after a preliminary survey conducted by the party district committee revealed that a section of the party may work against Nandi, sources said.

The latest group clash at the Durganagar railway station exposed the dangerous face of the infighting, which claimed lives of two local leaders, who were followers of Nandi. Therefore, the party state secretariat — CPM’s highest policy-making body — has decided that this time also Basu would appeal to the party cadres to stay united. He will attend a meeting in Salt Lake, where state secretary Biman Bose will also be present on March 16.