In a bid to recover the lost ground during the Lok Sabha elections, the Communist Party of India ( Marxist), or the CPM, is now openly wooing the Congress ahead of the West Bengal bye-elections.

Its top Politburo leaders have endorsed elder statesman Jyoti Basu's call that Congress supporters should ditch their ally, the Trinamool, and support the CPM instead.

"We appeal to the supporters and voters of the Congress party to come out in support of peace and against the links of their alliance partner the Trinamool Congress with the Maoists. It's extremely relevant and very important and goes beyond party considerations affecting the future of Bengal," CPM MP Brinda Karat said.

"As far as Jyoti Basu is concerned, he has risen above any party politics and is talking about the country, the country's future, security and unity of our country. And these are issues no well-meaning politician can ignore," said CPM MP Sitaram Yechuri.

Of the seven bye-elections seats the CPM holds three. But in the Lok Sabha elections, the CPM received fewer votes in these Assembly segments.

It was part of the bigger picture - the worst showing by the Left in Bengal. And this is why the party is desperate to regain lost ground.

But the top Congress leadership is evasive.

"Support for what? We are fighting against the Maoists, Central forces are fighting against them; Central and state government are fighting jointly," said Congress leader and PCC-I president Pranab Mukherjee.

And the Trinamool Congress has so far expressed confidence in its alliance with the Congress.

"An old man has issued a statement. I don't think it is necessary to issue comment. The Congress is fighting against the CPM in the bye-elections said Trinamool MP, Sudip Bandopadhyay.

But just two months ago the CPM and the Congress did come together in Siliguri to elect a Mayor, forcing the Trinamool to sit in the Opposition.

The CPM now seems to be hopping for a repeat performance.