Battle for Writers': Left proposes, Bengal disposes

Come May 13, West Bengal may well usher in the new wave of change with the announcement of the poll results. 

The Writers’ Buildings – the centre of the state’s political power – is donning a new look with the white-washing of interiors and general repair work — indicative of the subtle mood swing within. This, however, has not dampened the optimism of the Left Front leaders. 

Chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has frequented the Writers’ to clear files and even written a letter of some significance to the prime minister. Bhattacharjee, has been a key campaigner this season. “On an average he attended two meetings a day, which amount to a total of over 50 meetings ensuring his schedule remained packed,” said a source. 

Dominant on the chief minister’s rhetoric roster were the twin issues of attempting to convince rural voters of the Left holding on to its pro-poor stand while promising industry. However, poll pundits have predicted that Mamata Banerjee will be the clear winner and occupy the red building at the heart of Dalhousie Square. 

State housing minister Gautam Deb, however, is not to be found in his office, but is a favourite with local television channels. Carrying with him the legacy of acquiring land allegedly by force to set up the Rajarhat township, adjoining Kolkata, Deb has remained busy countering every allegation by the Trinamool Congress. 

Deb has been outselling his party’s proposed development goals if the Left is voted back to power. “Our priority is our three objectives (as promised in manifesto) that include reduction of poverty, generation of employment,” Deb told Business Standard. 

Two prominent CPIM leaders in north and south Bengal, Asok Bhattacharya and Kanti Ganguly, too, have been firmly ‘on the job’. Bhattacharya almost single-handedly managed the party’s hold in the foothills and valley in North Bengal, is not losing hope on the polling outcome. 

“We have Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) projects that need completion (after election). I have been attending office and looking to work. Yes, there’s some time to relax now,” says Bhattacharya. 

For Debesh Das, the West Bengal information technology (IT) minister, the next two days will be spent going to office and clearing files related to the district data centre projects. “There is still so much to be done, so many of our targets that are yet to be met. I will be coming to office and fulfilling my duties as the state’s IT minister. We will come back and continue the work we have done so far.” Das said. 

The bureaucrats, however, are taking it easy. “Most officers leave early. They are here to mark attendance. As this is one phase when nothing new, besides routine work, is taken up,” said a Writers’ staff. 

While all forecasts have staked on the Trinamool grabbing power in the state, comrades in Bengal are giving up the battle. “We have our own assessment. We are hoping to cross the majority mark. I don’t believe in the speculative figures that suggest a sweep for the opposition. It’s going to be a neck-to-neck, tight result this election,” a CPI(M) leader told Business Standard on the condition of anonymity.