Left retains W Bengal; inspires Communists world over

New Delhi, May 11 (UNI) Top Left leaders said today the Left fortress remaining intact for the record seventh time in a row in West Bengal and the Left ascendancy to power in Kerala and the urban elite and the middle classes coming to its fold have sent an inspiring signal to the Communists all over the world.

They believe that the radical land reforms, provision of basic facilities such as public health care, education, unprecedented agricultural growth, energy revolution and huge investments on industrial front have kept the Left Democratic Front in good stead since 1977 when it assumed power.

CPI leaders A B Bardhan and Shamim Faizi and CPI(M) veterans Nilotpal Basu and Basudeb Acharia told UNI that after most radical land reforms, lands were distributed to the landless which resulted in making West Bengal a food surplus state. After that the State concentrated on improving the qaulity of life in terms of providing the basic facilities.

''But during the last five years, it has shifted its focus on industrialisation with the result that it has become a powerless state,'' Mr Bardhan said adding that it was necessary for making the State an industrial hub. But it also created an environment for investment in infrastructure sector that had earned new supporters among the urban elite and the middle classes.

Industrialisation had also opened new vistas for employment which showed that the change had been welcomed by the urban youth who had perhaps voted for the first time for the LDF, Mr Bardhan added.

Mr Faizi said the victories in Kolkata and the surrounding areas showed the change in attitude. ''The clean sweep in North West Bengal showed that the LDF has not only retained its following, but has earned new supporters as well.'' Mr Faizi added that the LDF in its existence for the last about three decades never faced ''any internal bickerings'' and worked cohesively, which also improved its credibility among the people.

CPI(M) leaders--Mr Basu and Mr Acharia also listed various reasons for the record seventh win for the LDF in West Bengal.''This has been possible because we have succeeded in convincing the people that we care, struggle and protect the people's rights by way of our genuineness, commitment and sincerity.'' Besides, the ''clean image'' of the Communists also played a crucial role in cementing the Left bastion.

Despite the disintegration of Soviet Union, it appeared that this unprecedented democratic victory signalled towards the Communists gaining new grounds, the Left leaders said adding that after marvellous victory in Nepal, the LDF victory would send a positive signal for the Communists world over.

UNI KSA/FZ SHB VV1714