Siliguri, July 21: Raring for revenge after the humiliation heaped upon it by the GNLF, the CPM today announced its intention of cobbling an alliance with “like-minded” parties ahead of the DGHC poll.

Observers felt the mood of the announcement implied that the party was prepared to forge ties even with ideologically opposed parties like the CPRM in its bid to take on the GNLF at the council election, slated for November.

The CPM, they said, could go to great lengths to get back at the GNLF for ditching it and supporting the Congress during the Lok Sabha election.

State secretary of the CPM Anil Biswas said: “Ever since its birth following the Gorkhaland agitation, the GNLF as a political party has been opposed to resolving local problems. We want things to change and are ready to work together with like-minded parties.”

Analysts feel that Biswas’ comment was tempered by feelers sent by the CPRM leadership, which hinted at the possibility of forging an alliance with the CPM on the issue of “real development” in the hills.

Biswas said: “Our leaders share excellent relations with the CPRM in the hills despite the fact that its leaders had once deserted the CPM due to political differences.”

The CPRM broke away from the CPM in 1996 to re-launch the Gorkhaland issue.

Two-time MP and former state animal husbandry minister Tamang Dawa Lama, former Lok Sabha member Ratna Bahadur Rai and D.S. Bomzon left the CPM and floated the CPRM, which today is arguably the most influential partner in the five-party People’s Democratic Front (PDF), formed ahead of the Assembly poll to counter the might of the GNLF.

“The only way to match the might of the GNLF is by striking an understanding with some or all the constituents of the PDF,” a party source admitted.

Today’s announcement also stirred speculation about the change in political equations that could be triggered off if the CPM reached an understanding with the CPRM, GNLF (C) or ABGL, all constituents of the anti-Ghisingh coalition in the hills.

The CPM’s entry into the PDF could make the Opposition in the hills a great deal stronger and worth reckoning, an observer said, adding that it made perfect political sense to join forces against a common enemy.

CPRM spokesperson D.S. Bomzon told said: “We are eager to enter into an alliance ahead of the DGHC poll. However, that decision can only be taken by the party central committee, which will convene its session soon.”