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Journalism of Courage
With Nandigram and Special Economic Zones set to dominate its agenda, the three-day Central Committee meeting of the CPI(M) will begin here on March 31. The Politburo, which will meet on the first day of the Central Committee meeting, will also focus on the factionalism in Kerala and the elections in Uttar Pradesh.
West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and other leaders will update the leadership about the Nandigram issue, its fallout and other matters related to industrialisation. Party sources said since CPI(M) is of the view that the industralisation can’t be put on hold, the focus of the discussions will be on how to avoid “embarrassments” and how important it is for the party to educate the masses on the issue.
The party is also concerned about “conceding political ground” to other parties in Nandigram. “The party cadre failed to read the mood in Nandigram. There was no major effort that yielded results in making people understand the issue of industrialisation and that no land is going to be acquired, letting the Opposition run its misinformation campaign,” a party leader said.
The party sources also point out that despite Singur being a Trinamool-dominated area, the party machinery could convey its messages to the people. Something similar could have worked in Nandigram if the party had a better strategy in place. “The party should have taken up a well-planned campaign in Nandigram and also on crucial issues. The disconnect between the leadership and the local-level will hurt the party,” they added.
The party now wants “comprehensive” amendments in the SEZ Act incorporating the proposals submitted by it. It has already voiced its concern over the “piecemeal” changes being effected in the SEZ policy even as the GoM is yet to submit its report.
