KOLKATA/AGARTALA, Sept 8 (TIWN): It was less than two months ago when CPI-M Central Committee prevented it General Secretary Sitaram Yechury from entering as MP in the Rajya Sabha for the third consecutive times from West Bengal , this time with assistance from Congress party . But in less than two months the Central Committee is likely to give its Green Signal to Manik Sarkar to be nominated as the Chief Ministerial candidate for the crucial 2018 Assembly Poll in Tripura. The Central Committee denied to allow its General Secretary to make his entry in to the Rajya Sabha even though Congress party was agreed to withdraw its candidature from West Bengal to support Sitaram .

The Central Committee even went for voting process to prevent Siataram and as expected with strong his strong hold in the Central Committee , Prakash Karat group defeated the Bengal Line in voting . But in case of Manik Sarkar the party Central Committee gives nod for his candidature for the CM post for the 2018 Assembly Poll in Tripura .

It is to be mentioned here that Manik Sarkar has been the Chief Minister of Tripura since 1998 . Under his leadership CPI-M has won three back to back elections- in 2003 , 2008 and in 2013 . Again in 2018 when the CPI-M is facing probably the toughest challenge from the opposition BJP , to save its ground the party has given consent in favour of Manik Sarkar . But this is only a vague reason being shown by the party leaders . The real reason lies in deep . According to a top level Melarmathleader ," Manik Sarkar has always been enjoying the blessings of Prakash Karat lobby from the very beginning .Even in the year 1998 BaidyanathMajumder was almost certain to be Chief Minister . But due to Karat's blessings Manik got the edge of the veteran leader . "

This time also CPI-M's core committee Polit Buroand the Central Committee won't protest about Manik Sarkar's candidature as in both the committees Prakash Karat lobby is much stronger than Sitaram Yechury lobby . A highly placed Melarmath sources revealed TIWN ," Gana Mukti Parishad is in favour of a tribal Chief Minister for Tripura , especially to combat the arrogant IPFT in the ADC area . IPFT is now having formidable ground in the tribal belts. And GMP wants to subdue it through a tribal face in the state . And GMPs main candidature is JitenChowdhury . But as CPI-M central committee gives its consent Jiten's name won't even be considered . "

Even a section within the CPI-M state Committee wanted a new face for the hot seat . But ManikSarkar , is learnt to have gained the blessings of Prakash Karat lobby much before the issue is raised in theparty meeting. Usually CPI-M does not fight any poll projecting a leader . But this time battle is not so easy . BJP is having its hold in almost all corners in the state .And day by day the anti-Left voters and even a section of CPI-Ms hardcore workers and supporters are joining hands with BJP . Practically it is now the principal opposition in Tripura. At this stage CPI-M won't go for any risk of any change in top post like CM .

According to a highly placed TIWN sources ," BJP leader HimantaBiswa Sharma is playing a crucial role to form electoral alliance with IPFT and INPF to ensure that the anti-Left tribal votes are not divided . " The sources also said that even a large section of GMP aged members are failing to encourage the youths in their families with ideals of CPI-M and Marxism .Rather , the youths are very much closed to IPFT . During the recent blockade of IPFT hundreds of GMP leaders' sons were seen in to take part in IPFTs movement .This is simply a sign of worry for CPI-M as in the 20 tribal constituencies CPI-M is undoubtedly having upper edge over the years .

A CPI-M Central Committee member (unwilling to reveal identity) told this correspondent ," By accepting Manik Sarkar's nomination for CM candidature Central Committee is practically wants to teach a lesson to party's Bengal Line , which is known for being anti-Karat sentiment . "