Many Bengalis particularly the pseudo-intellectuals and self-proclaimed liberals (PISL), are ridiculing Mithun Chakraborty (MC) for joining BJP. They are pointing out that he had hobnobbed with Naxals and Left in his youth and then with TCP when they came to power and now joined BJP. In other words, he has no ideology of his own and that he has been changing colours all too often.
The PISLs are right in their own way. And they cannot accept anyone believing in BJP which according to them is a non-liberal, rightist and fascist party. But as MC said, he has no ideology other than Manabkalyan and love for the poor and downtrodden and that should be the basic objective transcending all ideologies. He also said he has absolute faith in PM Modi as the most effective leader not only nationally but also globally. The PISLs to whom the very name Modi is an anathema are further antagonized by such statements.
Come to think of it, there is a whole lot of truth in what MC has said. The fundamental objective of a true leader has to be Manabkalyan and to attain it without thinking of self-interest. This ultimate truth we learn through our journey in life. As a contemporary of MC, I have realized this. During our student days we all were inclined towards the left. We had sympathies with the Naxal movement and had friends among them. Starting from post-independence Congress rule, Left rule including Naxal movement and then rule of TCP in West Bengal- we have experienced all this. Naxal movement was finished after it turned violent. We were subsequently disillusioned with the left leadership and now with Trinamool rule. We understand that the larger objective of Janakalyan was lost sight of by all this leadership in the mirage of ideology and preservation of self-interest became the predominant goal.
As Swarajya Editorial Director says “West Bengal’s babudom and the police are arguably the most politically-compromised in the country. And in large parts of the state, thuggish gangs and party enforcers are a law unto themselves” There is no way West Bengal’s politics and administration can be set right unless a strong leader like PM Modi has the control to steer the course.
When will this truth dawn on Bengalis? It is now or never. When we look at PM Modi and his track record, we see his passion for Janakalyan in programmes like Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, National Bal Swachhta Mission, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana (PMJAY), Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojanaye (PMGKY), Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Ayushman Bharat Health Insurance Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and many more. He has been tirelessly working for development all across the country and the populace. He has also been a crusader for eradicating nepotism and corruption and an example of honesty and sincerity. He has led beautifully the nation’s fight against Corona virus. Globally, he has been of great help to 60 countries including Canada. All these countries and WHO have appreciated his efforts and his leadership. So, we must continue to repose faith in him and help him install good governance in West Bengal.
By Sudip Bhattacharyya (The writer is a longstanding commentator on contemporary issues).