Hello,
One of the most honest, hard working and popular leaders in Indian politics, Comrade Jyoti Basu departed for his heavenly abode at 96.
His popularity can be gauged from the fact that even after a decade of being away from active politics his death brought mourners from across the country representing all sections of society. Jyoti Babu, was born in an Aristrocratic Bengali family and studied Law in London but came back and lead a communist combination to power in 1977. As Chief Minister he become the longest serving Chief Minister of any Indian state and retired from active politics in 2000 due to poor health. This was exemplary as generally Indian politicians retire only when cremated or buried.
In 1996 he had an opportunity to become the Prime Minister of India but a 'historic blunder' caused by the short sightedness of the communist leadership deprived him of this deserving appointment. He could have easily lead a revolt then but his dedication and obedience to the party was never questionable and he let this opportunity pass by.
Jyoti Babu brought in land reforms in West Bengal that provided land to several landless people and his 'Fabian Socialism' made him popular amongst the masses. Although there have been question marks over his contribution to the stagnation of the Industrial growth and flight of business from the state it can never be disputed that he was the king who was popular and supreme.
His charisma can also be judged by the fact that after his stepping down from Chief Ministership, the Communists in Bengal are facing an opposition that is growing stronger by the day and we are also witnessing the growth in Maoist activities which means that the party is being gnawed from both sides. While it is loosing its support in the bigger towns to other main stream opposition parties, the villages are getting influenced by the maoist machine operating with the poor people.
Let us pray for peace to his soul and may he be reborn, more capable, for the benefit of our motherland.
Best regards,
Manoj
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2 comments:
You make it sound like Jyoti Basu was not a politician, nay not even a human being. It reminds me of what people think of Indira Gandhi now, a sort of Devi, not the shrewd politician that she was we know having lived when she lived.
Jyoti Babu had limitations, very strong communist shackles that bound him and did not give him the freedom to do things his way. He can never be compared to Indira Gandhi, who monopolized the party and got her way for everything. The fact that Jyoti Babu proved to be a capable CM with all his shakles and forces working against him speaks volumes of his ability. Needless to add, Jyoti Babu never needed to become a communist (should I say Socialist). He chose to be one and he remained honest to his commitment till the very end.
Balancing factions, pleasing the voters required political acumen and there is no doubt that he was good. But that does not make him small in anyway as the skills he had was never misused for personal benefit.
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