1 - A problematic legacy

Summary

West Bengal has the longest ruling democratically elected Communist government in world history. Since 1977 the Communists have governed a population larger than that of Britain or France. Its 68 million people re-elected the Communists repeatedly, indicating a continuing popularity and longevity not found by Marxists in any other democracy. The Communist takeover of one of India's most industrialized and strategically important states predictably created considerable interest and controversy over its performance in office.

Though development policy implementation was not the only Left Front endeavor, it was the most critical in providing a working example for the rest of India, and in consolidating Communist power. Electorally the rural areas with 74 percent of the state population would be critical in maintaining Communist influence. For this reason rural development had priority over urban industrial development in determining the success of the Left Front government. It was also the area where the Communists had greatest constitutional authority as agrarian reform fell largely within state jurisdiction. Rural development has therefore taken up most of the present work, with industrial and trade union policies providing analogous urban examples. Administrative reforms have been covered to indicate the policy instruments available to the Left Front for reform implementation. The emphasis is on development policies that might be attempted by any provincial Third World government trying to alter socioeconomic conditions in favor of the lower classes.

The task facing the Left Front government on assuming office in 1977 was fraught with difficulties, despite its massive majority in the Legislative Assembly.