After a 37-year absence, the CPI(M) is optimistic about making a comeback in the Haryana Assembly, thanks to an unexpected decision by its ally, Congress, to leave a constituency open for the party.

Om Prakash, CPI(M)’s Bhiwani district secretary and a member of its state committee, will be contesting from the Bhiwani Assembly seat with Congress support. This marks the CPI(M)’s first potential return to the Haryana Assembly since it secured a seat in 1987, during an alliance with the Lok Dal (B).

Prakash filed his nomination on Thursday and expressed gratitude to both the Left and Congress for their support. He plans to address local issues, fight against corruption and crime, and advocate for improvements to the Public Distribution System (PDS). He aims to expand the PDS to include 14 items, mirroring the system implemented by the Left government in Kerala.

He will face incumbent BJP MLA Ghanshyam Saraf, a former minister, in the contest.

Prakash, a former bank employee who retired in 2014 to focus on social issues, is well-known locally for his activism through his organization, Jan Sangharsh Samiti. His close associate, farmer leader Dayanand Poonia, highlights Prakash’s history of activism and struggle, including police torture during a 2018 strike and his leadership in protests against farm laws in 2020-21.

CPI(M) Haryana secretary Surender Singh praises Prakash as a prominent local leader dedicated to addressing the needs of women and marginalized communities.

Historically, the CPI(M) has had limited success in Haryana. Its sole Assembly win came in 1987, when Harpal Singh won from Tohana as part of an alliance with Lok Dal (B). Since then, despite several attempts, including alliances and independent contests, the CPI(M) has not managed to secure a seat in Haryana. In contrast, the Left has had a stronger presence in neighboring Punjab, although it has not won any Assembly or Lok Sabha seats there for over two decades.