West Bengal At Crossroads

COMMUNICATION

Against the background of the coming Assembly elections in West Bengal and keeping the CPM in view, Prof Patnaik has provided us a few positive attributes of the Left (“Why the Left Matters”, Mainstream, March 25, 2011, p. 31). Whatever may be the position elsewhere in India, in WB the Left does not deserve these attributes.

The CPM (WB) at the grassroot level is highly sectarian in every sphere, follows a policy of “we” and “they”, and actively pursues an agenda of capturing para (localities) wherever possible, and by violent means if necessary. Being in power for 34 years, it has become the centre of power-brokers, money-grabbers, anti-social elements and opportunists. It is negligent to essential trade union activity of the unorganised sections. In the organised sector it has destroyed work culture. On the whole as of now, the functioning of the State CPM and the management of the government of the State by it is disgusting.

However, the main Opposition party of the State is no better; it is other side of the same coin with all the vices of the ruling party. Its demagogic slogan of “change” has reached an euphoric height but has remained undefined, unexplained, unelaborated and without any supporting programme. However, its main agenda is ultimate elimination of the CPM and Left (and Leftism) from WB, a long cherished dream of the big bourgeoisie of India. Its agenda regarding the four anti-people bills (relating to banks, insurance, working people and provident funds) of the Government of India or its attitude to the Maoist movement is still hidden.

One is really sorry for the people of WB. They will have to make a choice between two evils, one known to them for years and the other with a demagogic slogan of change without elaboration (that is, the choice is something between frying pan and fire).

D.P. Sen

E13/3 Karunamoyee, , Kolkata-91