Basu dreams of industrial WB on agrarian base

Kolkata, Apr 26 (UNI) Nonagenarian Marxist Jyoti Basu today said a new phase of industrialisation will take West Bengal forward on its base of a strong agrarian economy.

Addressing an audience during the special convocation ceremony of Calcutta University. where he was conferred the honorary Doctor of Law, Honoris Causa, Mr Basu said, ''I have considered myself a part of the constant struggle to create a better India.'' ''However, apart from the pattern of the bourgeoisie set up, we believed in collective leadership and wanted West Bengal to lead India in its performance for excellence. I have performed whatever role my party has asked me to perform and am happy about it,'' he said.

Mr Basu said he had no regrets in becoming a fulltime Communist worker after having completed Bar at Law from Britain adding that ''it was a fulfilling experience and he never regretted a single moment.'' ''I have believed in combined economic growth with social equity and justice against a bourgeoisie set up. With a base of strong agrarian economy, a new phase of industrialisation will sweep the state,'' he said.

''We have never tried to rule the state from Writers' Buildings, but from the villages. Thus not unnaturally we have been in this state for 30 years in a capitalist setup. This is the hallmark of West Bengal and I am proud of it,'' he said.

The doctorate was conferred upon him by Chancellor Gopal Krishna Gandhi, in the presence of Vice-Chancellor Asish Banerjee.

UNI