Senior CPI(M) leader and former MP Moinul Hassan today announced his decision to quit the party following "differences of opinion".
Hassan, who has associated with the CPI(M) for 42 years, has been a two-time Lok Sabha MP and a one-time Rajya Sabha MP of CPI(M).
"I decided to leave the party as party leaders did not want to take my views. I am of the opinion that the BJP is gaining ground across India and trying to strengthen its base in West Bengal.
"To oust the BJP from the Centre, there needs to be a grand alliance of all parties and we can't differentiate on this issue. But, the CPI(M) doesn't share my point of view. It is not even conceding that the BJP is a fascist party," he told reporters here.
Hassan said that although he is quitting the CPI(M), he would remain in politics.
"He was with the party when we were in power. Now, we are not in power so he has decided to quit. It is quite obvious where he is going to join," a senior CPI(M) leader said.
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