The strange case of Buddhadeb and Gurudas Dasgupta

We are witnessing a decisive phase in realignment within left the process which started right after ascension of Buddhadeb Bhattacharya.

Taking over the mantle of West Bengal after more than two decades of misrule by Jyoti Basu, which saw West Bengal slip from one of the leaders to laggard in almost all industrial and social index, and cholbe na adopted as the motto.

Even though a member of CPM student union, and a a minister in Basu ministry, he was a moderate compared to hawks in the party, often questioning the official theology. After becoming the chief minister he quickly did a Deng Xiaoping, and set out to salvage the wreck.
Six years and one elections later not only has he established his popularity among the masses, but also emerged from the shadow of Jyoti Basu.

The important aspect has been his commitment for reform and (re)industrialization of West Bengal, oftentimes in face of opposition from fellow apparatchiks. His efforts have borne fruit,
already Industrial outlook is better and even though the state is still hostage to strikes (by both the parties), the perception is improving. This is best illustrated by rush of IT & XPO industries to get their share of pie. With encouragement to set up plants, there is real chance of regaining the former position.

If I have to guess, the future trend of this dualism will be

1. Buddhadeb will continue to have his say, as long as he delivers where it matters that is at elections.

2. A convenient arrangement for CPM will be to follow (Adam) Smith in Bengal, and Marx(Groucho, not Karl) in rest of India. Good news for Bengal, bad news for rest of us.

3. Any decisive victory of pragmatist over orthodoxy will be dependant on electoral equation, which can only be made favourable with a strong nationalistic front.