This comes within a week of CPM state Secretary Biman Bose asking “old age” non-performing party leaders to relinquish posts in the party and government.

“I have informed my party that owing to ill health I am not willing to contest elections any more. The party will take a final decision,” said Halim.

“I told the party prior to the 2006 Assembly polls that I am not willing to contest on health grounds, but did so after being persuaded. I hope that the party will now allow me to retire,” he added. Halim was hospitalised in Singapore a month ago for breathing problems.

Asked whether his decision was to avoid a Trinamool-Congress government in power, Halim said: “In parliamentary democracy, some party will win and some lose. My retirement has no connection with this.”

Reacting to Halim’s announcement, CPM Central Committee member Shyamal Chakraborty said: “Everyone has the right not to contest elections, what can we do?”

According to sources, a number of ministers and leaders have been asked to quit their posts. “Many leaders are occupying posts for the last 40 years. The party has decided that all of them would be removed from their posts in the near future,” said a senior leader.