A section of the CPI(M) and leaders of the RSP and Forward Bloc also argue that alliances with regional parties for electoral gains will have long-term implications as it would not help the Left in its efforts to make inroads into states where they are weak, particularly the Hindi heartland.

“The idea of a third force or third alternative to counter the BJP and the Congress may be a good election idea. But unless and until there is a united Left force, efforts to strengthen our respective party organisations in other states will not go a long way,” RSP leader Abani Roy told The Indian Express.

Moreover, some leaders feel the alliance with parties like the BSP may become a baggage, as the Left will have to sacrifice its position on certain issues. One Left leader pointed out that neither the CPI(M) nor the CPI openly condemned the recent police firing on agitating farmers in Greater Noida. The Left even had to speak out against the CBI lodging cases against Mayawati in a disproportionate assets case.

“The question is about credibility. We should not be seen as desperate for allies and compromising our policy positions. We should be condemning police excesses,” a senior Left leader said.

Though neither the CPI(M) nor the CPI has commented on AIADMK supremo J Jayalalithaa’s recent statement that she was open to a tie-up with the Left, the smaller Left parties are skeptical on this count as well.