By SK Nag
Bengal has not seen any change for ages. Therefore, the change is long pending. This longing for change brought incumbent Govt. in power by unseating 40 years continuous ruling Govt of CPI(M). But has she lived up to the expectation of the average Bengali? The answer will have mixed responses, and majorly it will be an unhappy manifestation. But the same longing for change that is persistently existing in the mind of Bengal even today has been overtly displayed in many situations. Political pundits must not ignore these narratives to understand the current Bengali needs and wants. TMC’s political foothold is not as strong as earlier due to the law and order situation of Bengal. BJP should try reaching the mind of Bengali to map their expectation and strategize the political chessboard. Obviously, ‘Jaisriram’ or ‘Cow Policing’ do not have any far reaching impact on Bengali voters, keeping aside a few who hail from other states residing in Bengal for long. But Bengal, since its existence, has manifested its apolitical mindset rising above cast and creed. Historically it was a secular socio-political structure Bengal has inherited from the past. Bengal culture does not recognize religion and cast so obviously. This state is divided in political opinion and football (East Bengal/ Mohun Bagan or Germany/Argentina/Brazil).
Education and employment are the core expectations of Bengal, which are missing for a long time. The state’s poor current financial health is the cascading effect of the British plundered this state during the world war, and since then, it has not got the support of successive Govt to develop in a positive direction. The importance of the geographical location of Bengal cannot be ruled out from Southeast Asian countries trade and political points of view. The Kolkata & Haldia port has tremendous business potential and remained untapped due to the local Govt’s lack of interest in trade. Post Dr Bidhan Roy, Bengal did not have a CM who could spend time beyond politics. Because it was never aligned with central leadership. Therefore, CMs kept on battling political fights with the center (predominantly opposition at state assembly).
The aspiration of this state is perceptually different from other states of India. The mind of Bengali preoccupied with education, art, and culture is known. Still, despite being an intellectually branded state, they are all socialist in their inner mind irrespective of the party they actually belong to. BJP must mindfully understand the meaning of change that every Bengali wants. Political narratives in line with Hindutva or stressing on Hindu eating habits etc., may not bring them near any political achievement they are aspiring. Because in all religious festivals (Durgapuja/ Kalipuja/ Hindu marriage), non-veg food is not a taboo but a compulsion (mutton in navami puja). Therefore, spending more time on these will not yield any result.
Projecting the chief minister candidate in the election campaign is a prerequisite in this state to win. This socialist demography apparently nonsecular mindset will not give up their sentimental attachment with Mamta so easily, which she had earned since CPM days. She had come from a level of scratch due to her sheer hard work. The unhappiness emanated from CPI(M) political maneuvering a state with multiple strikes has jeopardized the future of marxism in Bengal, and Singur, Nandigram fiascos expedited their departure after 40 years of ruling.
Though political killing is seen since 1970 still this should stop immediately. If Bihar can show that fair election is possible without any disturbance in recent time, then why not this state. Bengal has not seen any development for the last 4 to 5 decades. Therefore the need for prosperity has become an immediate imperative that BJP must focus on to bring in development agendas in their political manifesto. The states need development for the people by the Govt and of the state. Otherwise, looking at Bengal vote bank using the same spectacle used in UP & Bihar will be faulty and land in a muddy situation because of gross mistake. Although being a small state, it has distinctly different geography specific development needs. North Bengal is a Tea estate and Siliguri corridor facilitating cross country trade. South Bengal (Durgapur, Asansol, Bankura & Purulia) is an industrial hub which became sick due to lack of modernization. Along the Hooghly river, the jute industries used to exist, which are shut now. Besides all these, the whole state is blessed with fertile land conducive to green revolution. BJP should focus on these sectors’ growth plans on their manifesto with dual capital (Siliguri & Kolkata) mode of governance, bringing some light at the end of the tunnel.
Otherwise, only coloring Kolkata with paints does not bring real development. Because real Bengal is not in Kolkata, it resides in Bengal villages that we must not forget.
(Author is Industrial Engineer, Fellow Valuer, Chartered Engineer, BEE approved Energy Expert and Industry Mentor. The views expressed are personal opinion of the author. He can be reached at saibal.iim@gmail.com)
the Left rule lasted for 34 years. not 40.