In order to revive its sagging fortunes, the CPI(M) once again looks up to party patriarch late Jyoti Basu — India’s pre-eminent Communist leader who set a record as the nation’s longest-serving Chief Minister.
The Communist Party of India-Marxist has lined up year-long programmes throughout the State, highlighting his life and philosophy to mark the late West Bengal Chief Minister and Marxist patriarch Jyoti Basu’s centenary celebrations beginning July 8.
After the collapse of the “Red Fort” in West Bengal following the advent to power of the Mamata Banerjee-led Trinamool Congress, the Marxists are engaged in a battle of existence and looking for redemption through Basu, described as the “role model for the younger generation and one of the legends of modern India, not only of the Communist movement”.
“Of course, the party is going through tough times and we once again are looking up to the great man who was a modern Indian legend and undoubtedly a role model for the younger generation,” party State committee member Rabin Deb said.
The party, however, will be deviating from its rules to celebrate Basu’s birth anniversary. Till now, the only birthday celebration that was allowed is of veteran Communist leader and one of the party founders - Muzaffar Ahmed.
Incidentally, despite being a die-hard Communist, Basu too ignored party traditions sometimes — he never objected to the birthday celebrations organised at his Salt lake residence in the twilight years of his life.
From releasing a memorial volume to remembering his life and work for the benefit of a new generation, and his ideals that led to the consolidation of the working class movement, a spate of programmes are planned to bring the masses back into the party fold.