One simple reason is that even if a large chunk of Muslims do not vote for the party, yet the existing support base of the community is crucial for the comfort as being enjoyed by it. Following the Sachar Committee Report, the Left got caught in a face saving situation for pathetic socio-economic affairs of Muslims in the state. The Nandigram episode has already added much fuel to the anger of the Muslim community. This is what the party seems to be wary about. Given this, the Left has no option but to cajole the so-called Muslim leadership to stop further erosion in the community. Given this, the party cannot go further to upset the voters of the community. This explains why the Left bowed down to the self-proclaimed guardians of Islam and Muslims as well on the Taslima Nasreen episode recently.

Sanjay Kumar is a fellow at Centre for the Study of Developing Societies (CSDS) Delhi. Sanjeer Alam is associate fellow with Lokniti, CSDS