The CPI, a senior partner in the state compared to the CPI(M), is leading the charge trying to win at least three seats while the latter is giving a tough fight in two constituencies.

''For the left parties this election is very important. It is a question of survival of left ideology,'' said veteran CPI leader Pramode Gogoi, trying to win back the Sibsagar constituency from the Congress.

Even Chief Minister Tarun Gogoi admitted that it would be tough to stop the CPI this time in Sivsagar. ''The CPI has been winning the seat since 1962 and we were lucky to win it last time,'' Mr Gogoi said.

But for the left parties winning the Sivsagar seat is not only important but the main issue is to expand their shrinking base in the state. Today the CPI is in a winning position in Sivsagar, Nazira and Morigaon while the CPI(M) is giving a tough fight at Sorbhog and Naharkatia.

When the AGP shared an uneasy alliance with the BJP in the last Assembly poll, the left was deleted by the voters from Asom politics which caused lot of heartburn among the left parties.

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