2007 8212; Not so right for Left

The frequent flip-flops over the Indo-US nuclear deal also did not go down well with the Communist alliance8217;s image.

The turmoil in Nandigram divided the Left and gave its detractors like the BJP an opportunity to attack it.

Nandigram made headlines after locals there opposed a SEZ project, leading to police firing and tension between Trinamool Congress-backed Bhoomi Ucched Pratirodh Committee for several months.

Allies CPI, RSP and Forward Bloc deprecated Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya over handling of the situation in Nandigram, where CPIM cadres were accused of inflicting terror on opponents.

To add to the discomfiture, Left intellectuals deserted the Left government, slammed the police firing in March and forced 8220;recapture8221; of the region by CPIM cadre in November.

To make matters worse, the 8220;recapture8221; of Nandigram was justified by Bhattacharya, only to apologise for it later.

The Left blew hot and cold over the nuclear deal, first threatening the government with serious consequences if it went ahead and softening its stand later.

The Communists found themselves embroiled in another controversy when the West Bengal Government forced Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen to leave Kolkata following violent protests by Muslim hardliners.

Taslima is in Delhi now under the protection of the Centre while the CPIM says she is welcome to return to Kolkata.