The directive came after a series of reports from the ranks claimed that the party was all set to regain its base, overcoming the shock of Lok Sabha defeat which the top brass felt was incorrect.

In a state committee meeting held at party headquarters at Alimuddin Street state secretary Biman Bose said such reports are not required as it did not reflect the real picture.

In the meeting leaders have referred to the assessment report prepared by cadres at the grassroots level after the 2009 Lok Sabha elections. “For the last two-three years, it is evident that such reports are based on false, concocted information. This never happened in the past. Due to this, for the first time we have asked the cadres to refrain from the assessment process,” said a senior CPM leader.

Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee attended the morning session of the meeting. Party sources said, he was scheduled to address the meeting in the evening but he went to the Writers’ Buildings to carry out routine work.

Party insiders said Bhattacharjee might still be under the impression that the party is headed for another drubbing in the municipal polls. “Earlier, he had decided to stay away from campaigning. By skipping the meeting he wanted to give the message that it would be very difficult for the party to recover the losses,” said a source close to the chief minister.

Meanwhile, though district committees have assured the party of doing better in the civic body polls as compared to the Lok Sabha polls, the state leaders are not convinced. “The alliance at the grassroots level between the Congress and Trinamool supporters commands massive support. Though we have replaced old faces while nominating the candidates, we feel a large section of the voters want political change,” a leader said.

“In view of the current situation Bose called upon cadres to ensure 50 percent votes in every booth, which is not possible in real terms,” said a leader who attended the meeting.

Bose reportedly warned his cadres not to be carried away by the collapse of the seat-sharing deal between the Congress and the Trinamool.