Politics in the States: West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir

Learning Outcomes:

1. Analyze the historical and political developments in West Bengal and Jammu and Kashmir.
2. Examine the influence of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in West Bengal.
3. Understand the causes and evolution of the Kashmir conflict.
4. Evaluate land reforms and the Panchayati Raj system in West Bengal.
5. Discuss the impact of insurgency and terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.

West Bengal’s Political Landscape

West Bengal has experienced a long-standing Communist government functioning within a democratic polity and a capitalist economy with a strong public sector. This government has successfully governed for 37 years, winning five consecutive elections.

1. The Congress government in Bengal performed well until the 1960s, managing the refugee crisis and maintaining economic stability.
2. Progress was visible in public health, electricity, and road construction, but two major issues remained unresolved: growing unemployment and persistent landlord dominance over tenants.
3. The Communist Party of India (CPI) and later the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM) played significant roles in political mobilization and mass movements.
4. The CPM capitalized on Congress’s failures and formed United Front governments in 1967 and 1969, which later collapsed due to internal contradictions.
5. From 1977, the CPM consolidated power in West Bengal, notably among the rural population, maintaining control over the government through seven elections.

CPM’s Record of Successes

The CPM implemented land reforms that transformed the lives of the rural poor.

1. Operation Barga: This program secured legal registration of sharecroppers, ensuring them a permanent lease and greater control over their produce.
2. Reform of the Jotedari System: While limiting the power of jotedars (landlords), the CPM maintained a balance, avoiding total alienation of the rural middle class.
3. Land Redistribution: The government cautiously redistributed above-ceiling land and provided cheap credit to small peasants.
4. The CPM restructured the Panchayati Raj institutions, empowering the rural poor and creating a more inclusive political structure at the local level.
5. Social programs such as “Food for Work” helped reduce poverty and unemployment in rural areas.

Important Note: The success of the CPM’s land reform policies played a pivotal role in boosting agricultural production, ushering in the Green Revolution in West Bengal.

Urban and Industrial Challenges

Despite rural success, the CPM government struggled in urban areas, particularly in terms of industrial development.

1. The government failed to replicate the success of Panchayati Raj in cities, leading to poor urban infrastructure.
2. A lack of a clear industrial policy hindered job creation and economic growth, particularly in a state where agriculture could not absorb the growing rural population.
3. Attempts to attract capital investment faced skepticism, as investors distrusted a Communist government despite efforts to maintain industrial peace.
4. The CPM’s reformist approach lacked a theoretical basis, resulting in inconsistent policies and an inability to address urban decay and unemployment.

The Kashmir Problem

Kashmir’s situation is marked by ongoing internal and external conflicts, deeply tied to Indo-Pak relations and India’s secular identity.

1. Pakistan’s claim over Kashmir, based on its Muslim-majority status, conflicted with India’s secular ethos.
2. India initially offered a plebiscite but required Pakistan to vacate its troops, which never occurred.
3. By 1956, India declared Kashmir’s accession as irrevocable, yet remained open to the status quo regarding the Line of Control (LoC).
4. Article 370 granted Jammu and Kashmir special status, ensuring autonomy in most areas except defense, foreign affairs, and communications.

Sheikh Abdullah’s Politics

Sheikh Abdullah’s leadership and political maneuvering shaped much of Kashmir’s internal issues.

1. Abdullah initially supported Kashmir’s accession to India but later veered towards autonomy and even hinted at independence.
2. He was dismissed in 1953 after pushing for greater autonomy, leading to a long, tumultuous political career.
3. Abdullah’s eventual return to power in 1975 marked a reconciliation with the Indian government, but his influence waned after his death in 1982.

Important Note: Abdullah’s dismissal in 1953 marked a turning point in Kashmir’s political history, laying the groundwork for future instability and secessionist movements.

Insurgency and Terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir

The rise of insurgency in Jammu and Kashmir, supported by Pakistan, has caused immense turmoil in the region.

1. Farooq Abdullah’s dismissal in 1984 and the rise of violent separatist movements, including the Hizbul Mujahideen and Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), escalated the conflict.
2. Pakistan-backed groups engaged in widespread violence, targeting government institutions and the Kashmiri Pandit community.
3. President’s Rule was imposed multiple times to combat insurgency, yet terrorism remains a significant challenge in the state.

The Way Forward for Kashmir

The Kashmir problem requires careful balancing between maintaining security and respecting the civil liberties of the people.

1. The state has suffered from instability, electoral fraud, corruption, and authoritarian governance.
2. Repeated central intervention has eroded trust in locally elected governments.
3. While the 1996 and 2002 elections were relatively fair, Kashmir’s future depends on sound democratic governance and addressing local grievances.
4. A lasting solution to the Kashmir issue must respect both India’s territorial integrity and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people.

MCQ:
What was one of the major achievements of the CPM government in West Bengal?
A) Rapid industrialization
B) Significant reduction of unemployment
C) Successful implementation of land reforms
D) Strong communal policies

Answer: C