People's Democracy

WEST BENGAL

CPI(M) will Work Patiently

to Reconnect with People

From Our Special

Correspondent in Kolkata

THE CPI(M) West Bengal state committee has called upon the Party members and activists to patiently work among the people in the new political situation. After its meeting on June 4-5, the state committee decided to consolidate the support base of the Party and streamline the organisation to win over more and more people. CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat, who attended the meeting, advised the comrades to go back to people, adopt suitable tactics, reconnect with the masses and regroup.

The meeting conducted the review of election results. Though thorough and painstaking discussion took place to correctly identify the reasons for the electoral setback, comprehensive review would be finalised only after detailed discussion at all levels of the Party. In the discussion, political issues, government functioning, organisational weaknesses of the Party, slander campaign on behalf of the anti-Left forces, the role of money in elections, the blatant anti-Left role of dominant section of media have come under scanner.

CPI(M) state secretary Biman Basu, summing up the discussion, said that the Party was aware that this election was very tough. Large sections of people joined in Left Front’s election campaign. New sections of people also joined force with the Left. Finally, Left Front got the support from 1.95 crore voters, which was 41 per cent. However, the slogan of change raised by the anti-Left forces succeeded and the Left Front was defeated.

Basu said that the Party will review the reasons for this defeat thoroughly. After 2009 parliamentary elections, we identified political, organisational and administrative lapses and shortcomings. We could not overcome the deficiencies to the expected level.

About the post-poll situation, CPI(M) state secretary asserted that all was not lost through this defeat. We have confidence on the people who have supported us. Taking them along, we will move forward to win over those who have not supported us. In this new situation we have to move slowly, inch by inch, while upholding Communist ideology. The activity of the Party will be gradually developed. Party leaders at all levels have to work harder with dedication. It is important to merge with the people while consolidating the base of the Party. The unity of the Left Front should be strengthened.

Prakash Karat, in his observation, said that the CPI(M) and the Left Front began the journey in an untraveled path in 1977. “It was a part of our effort to build up a Left and democratic alternative in the country. We steered the boat through many storms. We knew from the very beginning the limitations of a state government in the present State structure of our country. The Left Front government, in 34 years, recorded historic achievements for the people. Though at this moment, we are facing the negative consequences, history will judge our achievements as unique, remarkable and historic, not only for the CPI(M) and the Left, not even only for the people of our country, but internationally. No one can underrate or undermine the gains of the people under Left Front government. CPI (M) will defend and carry forward those gains”, he asserted.

Karat said that in the post-poll situation, there is a concerted attack on our Party and the mass base. “We have lost a battle but our struggle has not ended. We have got the support of a large section of the people. We have to make this as the basis of our fight back.” 

The state committee meeting has decided to observe some programme in the near future. The Left Front will submit deputations to local level and district authorities against the ongoing attacks and violence let loose by TMC. The anniversary of the declaration of internal emergency will be observed as a day to demand peace and democracy on June 25. The Party’s work among rural and urban poorer sections will be strengthened.  

The West Bengal state committee, in a resolution, congratulated the Party, LDF and the people of Kerala for the outstanding election result, though LDF was defeated by a narrow margin.

CONDOLING

COM. MAJUMDAR

CPI(M) West Bengal state committee has condoled the death of Comrade  Baidyanath Majumdar, former secretary of Tripura state committee of CPI(M) and veteran leader of mass movement. Comrade Majumdar passed away on late night of Monday. He was 87.

In a statement, Biman Basu stated that Comrade Majumdar had a rich contribution in shaping the mass movement and strengthening the Party in Tripura.

“Comrade Majumdar got the membership of undivided party in 1943. In his long political life, he had to spend 15 months and 10 days in jail and for 22 months he was in underground. He was deputy chief minister of Tripura government. In 1995 he was elected as the member of Party’s Central Committee in the Chandigarh Party Congress.

“CPI(M) West Bengal state committee had a living contact with Comrade Majumdar. He always kept updated information about the political situation of the state. CPI(M) West Bengal state committee likes to express grief at his death. It also expresses sympathy to the Tripura state committee and Party activists and supporters in Tripura. The Red flag will remain half mast for the whole day on 7 June”, stated Basu.

(INN)