20 Years On, Its Business As Usual In Bengal

It was just another day for the Left Front government in West Bengal, except for the fact that it marked the completion of 20 years in power for the Jyoti Basu government. Given Basus characteristic understated style, there was little song and dance about the fact that the government had etched itself in the history books with its two-decade stint in power. No mega rally, no processions, just a quiet confidence that the Left is here to stay.

But Front supporters and the cadres needed to register the achievement. So Calcutta saw the mandatory street-corner celebrations the festoons with the hammer-and-sickle-and-star and the ``Laal Salaams written on banners and arches at some important street intersections. After all, the peoples government needs to interact with the people and tell them they are good enough for another 20 years.

 

At the seat of power, Writers Buildings, it was business as usual. No illuminations, no marked celebrations. The man of the day, Basu, matter-of-factly inaugurated a book and a video cassette by the government listing its achievements of the two decades. ``There is no room for complacency. Our responsibility has increased, Basu said. All in all, a subdued way of marking an obvious achievement: Basu is the countrys longest serving Chief Minister, leading a 14-party coalition which has stood the test of time.

``The coalition era has come to stay not only in India, but also in other countries as well. The Left Front government has set an example for the world, Basu said. He should know, for he is routinely consulted by the United Front coalition government in New Delhi.

The only signs of the fact that there was something significant about the day was a traffic snarl-up at Southern Avenue, the upmarket south Calcutta locality which saw an important Left Front meeting in the evening. Not coincidentally, it was also the only major event to mark the occasion. The meeting was attended by CPI (M) general secretary Harkishen Singh Surjeet and the entire line-up of top Left politicians in Bengal. The theme: maintaining the Left Fronts unity.

The muted celebrations were perhaps a recognition of the enormous tasks that still lie ahead. A grim reminder was served by the power cuts which plagued Calcutta even yesterday. Areas in central Calcutta, including the parts surrounding Raj Bhavan, witnessed power cuts. The Chief Minister obviously wasnt wrong when he said there was little room for complacency.

At the West Bengal Assembly, the Congress party which has got as used to being in opposition as the Left has to being in power did what it does best: level allegations against the administration. The Congress Legislature Party met to decide that they would move a public interest petition before the Supreme Court against the alleged misuse of funds earmarked for rural development, particularly the Jawahar Rozgar Yojana.

Left watchers felt that the Front probably did not want to celebrate too much in Calcutta since its base is in rural Bengal. Others say the allegations of misuse of funds could have forced the government to adopt a low-key approach. But the real reason could well be that Jyoti Basu has simply grown tired of holding centrestage.