Ah, politics, the silver screen of head-scratching narratives, filled with laudable heroes and questionable villains depending on which side of the fence you stand. On the often cinematic stage of West Bengal politics, two stalwarts – Jyoti Basu and Buddhadeb Bhattacharya – emerged as significant players. They reigned during an era under the red banner of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Contributions of Jyoti Basu and Buddhadeb Bhattacharya in West Bengal Politics
Jyoti Basu, the steady steed in the political race, held power as the Chief Minister of this cultural haven for 23 long years. His reign was akin to a lengthy Indian art-house film; critics either lauded it for its socioeconomic undertakings or censured it for its lack of industrial progression. Basu’s economic measures, though praised by some as pro-poor, seemed to some critics like throwing band-aids at gashes.
When we switch reels to Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, the picture doesn’t get any less complicated. Under his leadership, the state’s industrial front was given a propellant push, but some argued it came at the cost of rural displacement and economic inequality. Yet, the man deserves his due; under his baton, sectors like IT and Hospitality found a resonance in the state’s orchestra.
How the Political Scenario Changed after Mamata Banerjee Came into Power?
Fire up the dramatic background music, for here enters Mamata Banerjee, the battle-hardened heroine of our tale. Say what you might, but the lady stirred the political waters of West Bengal in a way even the Bay of Bengal might envy. Originally a member of the Congress party, Mamata formed her own political outfit, the Trinamool Congress, an act comparable to breaking up with a high school sweetheart and then clinching the prom queen crown solo. Her spirited campaign against the Communist regime grabbed eyeballs, raising hopes of a renaissance in Bengal’s political scenario. However, the song of change ended up somewhat off-rhythm for many. Accusations of becoming a “dictator” started echoing, with dissenting voices allegedly being muzzled. The rise in political violence and alleged corruption cases have made her reign far from a fairytale story.
In the season of political biopics, another film has come under the radar of the Election Commission. Titled ‘Baghini: Bengal Tigress,’ the film by director Nehal Dutta is ‘inspired’ by the life of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. But the director refuses to call his film a biopic. The lead character in the film is named Indira Bandhopadhyay (played by Ananya Guha, Alokananda Guha and Ruma Chakraborty across ages) is called “Didi” in the trailer. She is dressed remarkably like the West Bengal CM with the white saree and hair tied up in a bun.
The plot follows Baghini’s journey as she rises from a humble background to become a powerful political leader. She faces numerous challenges and obstacles along the way, including corruption, gender bias, and political rivalries. The film showcases her resilience, courage, and determination to bring about positive change in society. The film sheds light on the political landscape of West Bengal, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of a woman in a male-dominated field. The movie tackles various social and political issues, including women’s empowerment, corruption, and the complexities of the political system. It offers a thought-provoking narrative and explores the themes of power, ambition, and the pursuit of justice. Overall, Baghini: Bengal Tigress is a compelling and engaging film that combines elements of drama, politics, and social commentary. It’s definitely worth watching if you enjoy thought-provoking movies with strong performances and a captivating storyline.
Is West Bengal Lagging behind Bihar?
Comparing West Bengal to Bihar can seem like comparing apples to oranges, or in a more Indian sense, roshogulla to litti chokha. But no comparison can be made without looking at the numbers – and the numbers don’t lie.
Enjoying a head start in terms of industrialization and education, Bengal used to be the high scholar in the class. But the apparent loss in industrial potential and lack of job creation in recent years have made it more of a back-bencher.
Meanwhile, Bihar, the student who was written off, has been doing its homework assiduously under the guidance of Nitish Kumar. His focus on infrastructure, law and order, and education has resulted in some surprising leaps in economic growth rates.
Now, no political drama will be complete without a good dose of scams, and West Bengal does not disappoint here. Brace yourself for the roller coaster ride.
Sharada Scam
First, step into the time machine as we travel back to the murky world of the Sharada Scam. This one reads like a white-collar crime thriller with high stakes involved. The Sharada Group, a consortium of companies, promised high returns on investments. Suddenly, like a popped balloon at a birthday party, the scheme collapsed, leaving millions of investors in the lurch. The whiff of political involvement by the ruling Trinamool Congress in this scandal added a kerosene tint to the already raging fire.
As for the latest scams, they’ve been coming out like sequels in a hit heist movie franchise. From the Narada Sting Operation, the alleged involvement of TMC leaders accepting bribes, to the Rose Valley scam, another chit fund scandal – the state’s political narrative seems to be in an intimate love affair with controversies.
Should Emergency be declared in West Bengal?
Now, should we go straight from the proverbial frying pan to the fire by declaring an Emergency in West Bengal? That’s like asking if we should solve a mosquito problem with a sledgehammer.
The call for an Emergency looks like an exaggerated climax to a film filled with plot twists and dramatic scenes. Yes, the state, like a Shakespearian tragic character, is grappling with issues – but to call for an Emergency seems an extreme response, akin to churning out a sledgehammer at the sight of a fly.
West Bengal needs a balanced and systematic redressal model, not drastic solutions that scream of political vendetta. The journey towards progress is gradual, layered, and nuanced – much like a bowl of the traditional ‘mishti doi,’ it needs patience, the right ingredients, and a good amount of time to get just right. Let’s hope the political pundits remember this.