[2] In the previous assembly election held last year, Ajoy Mukherjee of Bangla Congress became the chief minister with support of the INC(R) & the United Left Democratic Front (an alliance of CPI, AIFB, SSP rebels, PSP, BPI - Barada Mukutmoni faction, RCPI - Anadi Das faction & AIGL).

[5] At the time of the election Indira Gandhi's popularity peaked, with the victory in the Bangladesh Liberation War and electoral promises of land reform.

[6] The CPI(M)-led alliance included RSP, SUCI(C), RCPI, MFB, WPI, the Biplobi Bangla Congress and some independents.

[3] The Congress(R)-CPI alliance won an overwhelming majority in the assembly and formed a new state government, led by Siddhartha Shankar Ray.

[12] The left parties argued that in 172 constituencies the election had not been free and fair, accusing the Congress(R) of letting loose 'semi-fascist terror' in West Bengal.