Goswami said that unlike the Lok Sabha elections when the various constituents of the Left Front were speaking in different voices, this time around they are in unison.

“This election, we are up in a fight for our existence. We are nine parties in the Left Front. Despite being separate, all the nine constituents are united against a common adversary,” said Goswami.

On the impact of the breakdown of the Congress-Trinamool alliance, Goswami said: “With the coalition not there, the necessary damage has been done.” Cautioning his candidates and workers against complacency, the minister said the state has seen a significant progress in terms of civic amenities under the Left’s rule. “There are projects that have not been completed or are in the final stages of completion. We have to explain the same to the people,” he said.

On Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee’s demand to advance the Assembly elections, Goswami said there is no rationale behind the announcement. “Her statement does not reflect any responsibility and in future she should refrain from making such comments,” he added, while accusing the Trinamool of non-cooperation in the state’s development.