Left will play important role post-polls: Somnath Chatterjee

At the same time, the veteran leader felt that the Left will play an important role after the polls.
"I have a little query about the Left, a few questions about how the party is proceeding. Some I have expressed, but I have no forum to express them. I am no longer in the party. I have to speak outside," Chatterjee told reporters after casting his vote here.
"The important thing is that nobody is ignoring the Left. Please consider that. Left has to be in the forefront and I hope it plays a proper role," he said.
Asked if Left parties were getting stronger, Chatterjee, who was expelled from CPI(M) for refusing to quit as Speaker after Left's withdrawal of support to the UPA government, replied, "They will be reduced in numbers unfortunately, but will play an important role in Indian politics."
On whether he would rejoin CPI-M and if West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee was in touch with him in this regard, he said," I do not know. I have not had any talk (with Bhattacharjee) about going back or coming."

"As I have said repeatedly, I have not left the party. This is very clear," Chatterjee said.
"The party felt in its wisdom (that) I am not fit to be in the party. I have accepted their verdict. I have never challenged it. I say I have my own conscience. I felt I have done something. History will judge. My willingness (to come back) doesn't matter," he said.
"Although I have been expelled, my views are known and I have not said anything about Leftism."
Asked if he would return to the CPI(M), if it needed him, Chatterjee replied, "It's a big if."