Introduction: Dulal episode takes an ugly turn
Are Bengal Marxists taking the state's politics the Bihar way? The impression is fast gaining ground because of the degenerative trend witnessed. In typically Laloo and Pappu Yadav style, Marxist mandarins have got Dulal Bandopadhyay, the prime accused in Dum Dum twin murder case and well known for his mafia activities, elected general secretary of CITU-controlled West Bengal Railway Hawkers Union. This despite the fact that his trial is continuing and he is in jail. Although the motive in elevating a murder accused to the head of the hawkers' union is by no means elevating, there is no doubt that the move is meant to pressure the court for a favourable verdict. Also the move enjoys the backing of a powerful section of comrades who do not share Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee' s strong views on Dulal's role in the party. It was on his insistence that Dulal was arrested much against the wishes of those who are his godfathers. Dulal provides invaluable service to party candidates for elections through his terror and rigging network.
It is hard to believe both Anil
Biswas and CITU leaders' claim that they did not know about Dulal's election
as head of the rail hawker's union. The society is not a secret society.
Besides, the media has consistently given detailed coverage of the trial
proceedings. Even Dulal's opponents in the union reject the claim saying
that in a highly regimented party like the CPI-M all sensitive issues are
settled with the nod from the top. The argument is relevant since some
senior leaders who were earlier dropped from key party committees for corruption
and on moral grounds were subsequently taken back. Compromising with principles
is the only appropriate description. But if Anil Biswas is right it has
serious ramifications for the party. It means the leadership has lost control.
And this is dangerous for any party.