06-01-2009, 01:32 AM
Mudyji,
I understand what you are saying. Actually, there are strict orders for card-holder commies not to be functionaries of Puja committees, and and not to be seen in public being associated with such activities. Even mass-front, post holders are barred. However, ordinary members of mass-fronts or the party are in general not debarred, but their participation is also frowned upon in most party units. Exceptions are in areas controlled by mavericks, chiefly allied with erstwhile Jyoti Basu "line", like S(u) Chakraborty.
The money extraction is carried out indirectly, as certain Puja committees are then "required" to pay cash as donation to the "party" or "mass front". However, when the Congress was in power they did the same, and where TMC rules, same happens. It is more about every political party with state power or influence extracts "funds".
As for commie bashing, we have to remember that Bengalis are highly "subversive". I had written on BRF, before the elections, that given appropriate national level or federal backing to protect from CPI(M) retaliation, Bengalees would elect the opponents of CPI(M). So far Cong's alliance with Left, and both trying to liquidate TMC, made them unsure of voting for TMC. But once they would be sure, they will overturn the Left in a single swift blow. This was what they did to the Cong in 77. Each time, it was the atrocities by the ruling regime that was the primary motivating factor.
The regionalism and extreme parichialism that pushed the Cong leaders to abandon the two "revolutionaries" - Punjab and Bengal and let them suffer for not licking Nehruvian boots, has cost India dearly. BJP so far has treated these two provinces with great respect. In Bengal this diference in treatment should be highlighted by the party organizations - for Bengali sentiment is roused by acknowledgment.
BJP has good prospects all along the border districts, and in the south 24-Pgs. However, its promotion of separatist Gorkhaland can make it lose some crucial support if the Left and Cong/TMC decide to play the issue.
I understand what you are saying. Actually, there are strict orders for card-holder commies not to be functionaries of Puja committees, and and not to be seen in public being associated with such activities. Even mass-front, post holders are barred. However, ordinary members of mass-fronts or the party are in general not debarred, but their participation is also frowned upon in most party units. Exceptions are in areas controlled by mavericks, chiefly allied with erstwhile Jyoti Basu "line", like S(u) Chakraborty.
The money extraction is carried out indirectly, as certain Puja committees are then "required" to pay cash as donation to the "party" or "mass front". However, when the Congress was in power they did the same, and where TMC rules, same happens. It is more about every political party with state power or influence extracts "funds".
As for commie bashing, we have to remember that Bengalis are highly "subversive". I had written on BRF, before the elections, that given appropriate national level or federal backing to protect from CPI(M) retaliation, Bengalees would elect the opponents of CPI(M). So far Cong's alliance with Left, and both trying to liquidate TMC, made them unsure of voting for TMC. But once they would be sure, they will overturn the Left in a single swift blow. This was what they did to the Cong in 77. Each time, it was the atrocities by the ruling regime that was the primary motivating factor.
The regionalism and extreme parichialism that pushed the Cong leaders to abandon the two "revolutionaries" - Punjab and Bengal and let them suffer for not licking Nehruvian boots, has cost India dearly. BJP so far has treated these two provinces with great respect. In Bengal this diference in treatment should be highlighted by the party organizations - for Bengali sentiment is roused by acknowledgment.
BJP has good prospects all along the border districts, and in the south 24-Pgs. However, its promotion of separatist Gorkhaland can make it lose some crucial support if the Left and Cong/TMC decide to play the issue.