English हिन्दी
Connect with us

Latest Politics News

CPI (M) in Bengal cuts its nose to spite the face; expels young MP Ritabrata

Published

9 years ago

on

CPI (M) in Bengal cuts its nose to spite the face; expels young MP Ritabrata

 By Sujit Bhar

A failing party with a regressive attitude cannot expect to face the might of Mamata Banerjee’s Trinamool Congress

As it finally turned out, the expulsion on Wednesday (September 13), of its Rajya Sabha MP Ritabrata Banerjee from the party was the result of a factional feud within the CPI (M) and his three-month suspension, announced on June 2, was just a precursor to this expulsion.

Of course, Banerjee had gone to the popular local television channel ABP Ananda and poured his heart out about the reportedly pernicious nature of associations that the Prakash and Brinda Karat faction brought to the table – Banerjee is unapologetically in the Sitaram Yechury camp – but the initial impression that the Md Salim committee (which looked into the allegations against Banerjee) had given was that he was in the dock for his lavish lifestyle.

Banerjee called Salim the “agent” of the Karats in West Bengal. Such in-the-face comments aren’t what communist regimes are used to, but more than that, Salim’s influence within the party is considerable, and it is being viewed that the Buddhadev Bhattacharya group may be losing traction within the state committee. The Salim committee has maintained that this expulsion order need not be taken to the central committee of the party, since Banerjee has been a state committee member. Hence, this is an internal matter.

Apart from the fact that the very existence of the CPI (M) is at stake around the country, now the credibility of the party as a congress of erudite and bhadralok stalwarts is also in doubt. There have always been differences within the party and expulsions have happened all along the history of the party. But now possibly is a very wrong time to show to the world the cracks within. It is not a very bright idea.

The root of the communist movement in India – with beginnings dating back to MN Roy’s importing of the concept to the sub-continent – has been through trade union movements and farmers’ struggles. Even in the vastly changed scenario around the world today – economically, as well as socially – the seed within certain sections of the CPI (M), itself an offshoot of the CPI, seems to have remained unchanged.

The complexities of today’s society have had a retrograde effect on the party. With failings showing up starkly within the West Bengal chapter of the party, the Karat faction, lying low for long in the state, has reared its head and claimed its first victim. This cannot be good news. There is enough resentment within the youth of the party in Bengal – whatever is left of it – and in the expulsion of a popular youth leader this resentment will only grow. When the old leaders have not been able to show the way out of the current mess, is it advisable to retrace faded footprints in trying to recreate the pure-bred communist utopia that was once the dream?

The Kerala influence in Bengal politics is increasingly becoming stronger. With Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan now a staunch supporter of the Karat group, and boasting a government that the Bengal counterpart does not have, theirs is a voice more clearly heard today. In the 34 years that the CPI (M) ruled Bengal, there was no need to listen to anybody other than home-grown leaders for Bengal’s communists. The Kerala communists also have within its fold a number of top businessmen, who throw their weight behind the communists and the Congress almost alternatively. At this point the money purse belongs to the Kerala communists. Then, there is a huge complement Keralites in West Asia, with repatriation amounts totaling in the billions of dollars. They too, at this point of time, have chosen to support the communists. In the past, when it had suited them, they too had supported the Congress.

That apart, of course, there is the factor of Prakash Karat being a Keralite. He gains trust, despite his antediluvian ideals.

This triple whammy from Kerala was possibly too much for the likes of Banerjee and the Yechury faction to digest. Moreover, with the Trinamool Congress in West Bengal so strong that they can wipe out resistance by the BJP too, the local communists have little hope. This means the fangs of age-old communist traditions, given up across the globe, hold sway in Bengal.

Why else would a state committee member’s actions be made out to be openly against the party? Why was this not solved at the state level? Why did the state communists decide to cut the nose to spite the face?

The committee cites some special clause of the party constitution in saying: “In exceptional circumstances party committees in their discretion may resort to summary procedure in expelling members for grave anti-party activities.” What was so special about debate, of a different point of view? Why was it considered abhorrent?

If not the TMC, regression will kill the party in Bengal for sure.

Related Topics:
Continue Reading

India News

Mamata beater Suvendu Adhikari set to become next West Bengal CM

Suvendu Adhikari emerged as the BJP’s choice for West Bengal Chief Minister after the party’s legislature meeting in Kolkata following its historic Assembly election victory.

Published

2 hours ago

on

May 8, 2026

By

Suvendu-Adhikari

Senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari is set to become the next Chief Minister of West Bengal after being elected leader of the BJP legislature party during a key meeting in Kolkata on Thursday.

The development comes days after the BJP secured a decisive victory in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, ending the Trinamool Congress’ long rule in the state. Party leaders met in the presence of senior central leadership to finalise the chief ministerial face ahead of the swearing-in ceremony scheduled for May 9.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah attended the legislature party meeting where Adhikari’s name was formally announced. Reports said the BJP leadership backed him after he emerged as the party’s strongest face in Bengal politics over the past few years.

Adhikari played a major role in the BJP’s campaign across the state and remained one of the party’s most aggressive leaders against the ruling Trinamool Congress. He also defeated former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur during the Assembly elections, strengthening his position within the party.

The BJP’s victory is being viewed as a major political shift in West Bengal, where the party is set to form its first government. Adhikari, once a senior Trinamool Congress leader, had joined the BJP before the 2021 Assembly elections and later became Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly.

Following the announcement, celebrations were reported outside Adhikari’s residence in East Midnapore, with party workers distributing sweets and raising slogans in support of the BJP leader.

The swearing-in ceremony of the new BJP government is expected to take place in Kolkata on May 9, where Adhikari will officially assume charge as the Chief Minister of West Bengal.

Continue Reading

India News

Suvendu Adhikari emerges frontrunner for Bengal Chief Minister post

Suvendu Adhikari has emerged as the leading candidate for the West Bengal Chief Minister post as BJP prepares to form its first government in the state. Reports suggest the new cabinet may also include two deputy chief ministers.

Published

7 hours ago

on

May 8, 2026

By

BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has emerged as the leading contender for the post of Chief Minister in West Bengal as the party prepares to form its first government in the state following its Assembly election victory.

The BJP legislature party is scheduled to meet in Kolkata to elect its leader, a decision that is expected to formally determine the next Chief Minister. Union Home Minister Amit Shah reached Kolkata ahead of the meeting and is overseeing the selection process.

Sources cited in media reports suggest the new BJP-led government may also appoint two deputy chief ministers, a post that has remained vacant in West Bengal for nearly two decades. One of the deputy CM positions could reportedly go to a woman leader. BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul is among the names being discussed for the role.

Another deputy chief minister could be chosen from north Bengal, with former Union minister Nisith Pramanik being seen as a possible contender, according to reports. There is also speculation that the BJP leadership may consider a representative from the tribal community for a senior cabinet role.

Adhikari, who played a key role in the BJP’s election campaign, defeated Mamata Banerjee in Bhabanipur during the recently concluded Assembly elections. The BJP secured a two-thirds majority in the 294-member Assembly, paving the way for its first government in West Bengal.

The swearing-in ceremony for the new government is expected to take place on May 9 in Kolkata. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and several senior BJP leaders are expected to attend the event.

Continue Reading

India News

West Bengal BJP government set for oath ceremony as suspense over new CM continues

The BJP is preparing to form its first government in West Bengal after securing a massive Assembly election victory, with the new Chief Minister expected to be chosen during a legislature party meeting in Kolkata.

Published

12 hours ago

on

May 8, 2026

By

The Bharatiya Janata Party is preparing to form its first government in West Bengal after its decisive victory in the 2026 Assembly elections. The swearing-in ceremony of the new government is scheduled for May 9 in Kolkata, while suspense continues over the party’s Chief Ministerial choice.

According to reports, the BJP legislature party is expected to meet on Friday in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah to elect its leader formally. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Amit Shah and several senior BJP leaders are likely to attend the oath-taking ceremony.

Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari has emerged as the frontrunner for the Chief Minister’s post following the BJP’s strong performance in the elections. Other names reportedly under consideration include Samik Bhattacharya, Sukanta Majumdar and Swapan Dasgupta.

The political developments come a day after Governor RN Ravi dissolved the West Bengal Legislative Assembly and state cabinet following the completion of the Assembly election process. The dissolution order was issued under Article 174(2)(b) of the Constitution after outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee declined to submit her resignation despite the Trinamool Congress losing power.

The BJP secured a clear majority in the 294-member Assembly, ending the Trinamool Congress’ 15-year rule in the state. The election outcome marks a major political shift in West Bengal, where the BJP is set to form a government for the first time.

Preparations for the swearing-in ceremony are underway at Kolkata’s Brigade Parade Ground, where senior BJP leaders and party supporters are expected to gather for the event.

Continue Reading

Trending

© Copyright 2022 APNLIVE.com