'Left parties may withdraw support to UPA'

Q&A

Communist Party of India General Secretary A B Bardhan talks on the Left movement and its relationship with the UPA.

It is ironical that at a time when Communism has died down the world over, the Left parties in India have come to the centre stage.

When did Communism die? Communism is sweeping three-fourth of Latin America, be it Ecuador, Argentina, Peru, Chile or Bolivia "" there is a resurgence of the Communist movement there. Although this resurgence has come about after long struggles, Latin American countries today are embracing Communism in a big way. It is their answer to American policies. Also significantly, Communist resurgence is taking place through the ballot.

In India, where do Communists find their movement today?

In the last few years, Communists have been able to influence government policies in some ways. Unfortunately, the Left movement has not been strong in the Hindi heartland and because of this, we have not acquired a position where we can have a decisive influence on policies. However, our strength should not be measured in terms of the electoral numbers only. The Left parties continue to hold sway over mass organisations of trade unions, peasants, students, progressive writers and even performing artists.

The reasons for our failure in the Hindi heartland are the continuing hold of feudalists, traditionalists and obscurantists in our society.

Even in states like Kerala and West Bengal where Communists hold sway, societies aren't any different, surely?

Yes, to a large extent Indian society continues to be traditional, caste-ridden and religion-oriented. However, in states like Kerala and West Bengal, people have learnt not to mix religion and caste with politics.

What is the Left doing about gaining a foothold in the Hindi heartland?

This remains our major worry. In peripheral states like West Bengal and Kerala, we have had the advantage of great social movements but in the Hindi heartland, in spite of philosophers like Kabir being from there, things haven't changed much. We have to work very hard to make a breakthrough there.

How would you rate the Left's experience of supporting the UPA? Has an element of desperation crept in now? You keep seeking reviews of your support to the government?

I must admit that the Left has not been as effective as we would have liked to be in this arrangement. Our entire effort has gone into ensuring that the UPA does not stray from the Common Minimum Programme, on the basis of which the Left parties had offered to support the government. For this, we have to frequently play the role of an opposition (party). We have not been able to influence government policies that are linked to mass struggles, like Special Economic Zones, land acquisition, contractual system of labour, policies against labour laws, unemployment, high fees in private colleges, women's reservation... Also, in areas where India seems to be going closer to USA, we have not been effective.

So, the Left parties are facing a dilemma "" to continue supporting the UPA or let the government fall?

No, it is not a dilemma. From the beginning we have been clear that this is a bourgeois government and hence we do not want to join it. So we signed the CMP to make the UPA adhere to certain standards. For the first two years, the UPA did follow the CMP, as a result of which some good pieces of legislation like those on the right to information, rural employment guarantee and tribal land rights were passed. The Left contributed to the passage of these Bills with active support and valuable amendments. Now things have come to a standstill "" the Bill on unorganised labour is an apology for legislation which should be rejected at the introductory stage itself.

Why is the Left only a disruptionist force and not as proactive when it comes to economic policies and reforms bring pursued by the government?

The Left is very clear about certain basic issues linked to economic growth. While we believe that industrialisation is a must, Special Economic Zones are not. But look at what is being done in the name of economic development today! SEZs have become a way of land-grabbing by the big business houses. We are not against privatisation, but this cannot be done by liquidating public sector companies. India has a great potential for growth but that should not be done by giving the controlling stake in the nation's economy to foreign investors. The Left supports FDI as this way at least some part of the billions that were looted from India in colonial era can come back. But we will put our foot down if foreign companies are given control of our economy.

If the Left takes charge of the economy today, does it have a blueprint for growth?

We have our priorities right, at least. For example, industrial growth will not be sustainable unless we create markets within the country. For this, the masses and not a mere 10 to 15 per cent of Indians have to have the purchasing power. We will not allow the issue of hunger and poverty to be relegated to the background while pursuing growth. Reforms will have to touch the last man in this country. Today's reforms are only producing millionaires and billionaires, and even trillionaires. In fact, the CPI is bringing out a nation-wide study by the end of the month in which we have found that 78 per cent of Indians are poor. Today's priorities of reforms are wrong. Do we need FDI or the entry of big business to sell vegetables? Middle class people may be happy that they can buy vegetable in the mall, but this decision (on retail) is going to block the livelihood of some 200 million people who are dependent on retail.

With elections round the corner, it is going to be difficult for you to go to the people with these issues... especially as the government has not taken your advice on most issues.

That is why we are telling the UPA to do a mid-term review of its policies. After all, they too have to face the people. I am asking the Left partners to review our relationship with the UPA "" which could mean that we may withdraw the support or put more conditions for continuing support. The time has come to tell the UPA that it cannot take out support for granted.