Nidhu Bhusan Das
The floodgate of Trinamool Congress remains wide open for unwanted elements to rush into the new ruling party at different places of West Bengal despite the word of caution from its supremo Mamata Banerjee. As Chief Minister she has vowed to replace partycracy of the unseated Left Front by democracy, and told the police to function ignoring interference from political parties including hers. The top leadership of the party has dictated policy for its functionaries and workers against coercion, intimidation extortion and interference in the administration.
It appears the diktat does not work everywhere. In many places of rural North Bengal, it is reported, thugs who migrated from the major partner of the Left Front to the party are active in the business of coercion and extortion as before. This is ominous. This happened to the CPI (M) after they came to power in 1977.The discovery of human skeletons, fire arms and armory from and near the CPI (M) offices and residences of party leaders and workers tells loud and clear what went wrong with the party which once inspired popular imagination and dream of a better socio-economic order. The dream deflated when lumpen elements began to wield influence and unleashed terror on common people. The repeat is evident with trinamool on saddle of power.
The party supremo has the blessing and trust of the people. Her role as Chief Minister is seen as positive. However, if the thugs and lumpens can continue to disturb peace of the people, their dream of a terror-free life will be shattered to the disadvantage of the government for change and democracy. Entry of unwanted elements into the party cannot be possible without the nod of the local leaders. It is important that the top leadership identify those leaders in no time and stem the rot to retain the goodwill and trust of the people. It is the duty of the government and the party to establish meaningful democracy where people will be free and fearless to speak their mind to respect and maintain constitutional sanctity. Even development will not be possible if the lumpens have the hey day. West Bengal is in dire straits, and without massive development Ms Banerjee will not be able to fulfill her dream and meet the aspirations of the people she has enkindled.
