CPM is using fascist techniques,people are voting under duress,there are 72 lakhs of unemployed people,you cannot live following all rules of CrPc.The party and the Police uses the arm of law selectively.Party tries to control all aspects of life,people are afraid to disobey the Party dictum.Congress appeases the minority to get their vote.Congress indirectly supports CPM. If things go in this way there will be a popular explosion to burn this debris A Senior Citizen
If we are still wondering why CPIM keeps winning, this piece offers an explanation - not through its content, because it packages old grumbles, but in its style. Denial is the word! I am sure as long as political commentators live in such illusions - that it is only indoctrination that keeps CPIM going - they will keep winning.
The key reason why CPIM wins is pragmatism of the voters, and not ideology. People who has lived in Bengal know that - CPIM has delivered a stable, efficient administration and have brought great benefits to a large number of people, specially in rural areas.
The opposition, divided and in denial, could not come up with any consitent policy. Ask Mamta what she stands for - I am sure she will ask what you like to hear. Ask Mamta what her vision for Bengal is, and you are fooling yourself if you expect a reply. It is this complete failure to produce an alternative set of policies which kept CPIM going.
Hi Sumit Thanks for this piece. You have atleast tried to suammrise the Left victory in Bengal. Though I do not know much about Bengal, as a follower of democracy, is it not scary that a single party can rule a state for 30 years. Has the election been a report card on performance W B would have been India\'s No. 1 state today. But in contrast it is much maligned Gujarat who holds this place. Again has the left been so strong in the governance they would have never lost an election in Kerala too. The real reason behind left\'s victory (at least in last four elections) has been the blatant use of communalism. Today Bengal has more than 30% voters as muslims (including the Bangaldeshis). Trinamul\'s allinace with BJP means all this goes to CPM en bloc.Add around 15% \"cadre\" vote and you have a recpie for sucess. In the present elections, due to the phase wise voting, the left maximised in potential by creating mobile voting blocks. More than a million people voted on more than two seats. This along with Mamta\'s inability to learn lessons from mistakes makes left invinicble. May be she should spend time with Nitish Kumar and learn how to tame the bogey of communal hatard.
I am far away from the communist core in Switzerland but the article is extremely well written and informative sheding a unique insight into the current goings on in the state.The essence of politics in Bengal has been effectively and aptly captured. Kudos!
People of Bihar are much wiser than that of Bengal. They seized the opportunity to throw out Laloo but people are Bengal still vote for communists, who have made Bengal a crippled state in addition to their destructive policies at the center.
For communist vote bank is poor so they work hard that they remain poor forever. Thats why they always oppose economic liberalization as it liberalization will offer more jobs and salaries and they will lose "poor".
Communist have formed two tumors in Bengal and Kerala and destroyed good tissues. Lets use harsh therapies to treat.
