New phase of communal polarisation in Bengal

Mamata will try to appease Muslims and a section of Hindus. BJP will continue pursuing its successful model of uniting Hindus against TMC rule.

- SUGATO HAZRA

Bengal, by virtue of its exposure to the British, brought in modern thought, concept of nationalism as also western principle of electoral democracy to India. And electoral democracy brought in the unavoidable issue of communalism. It was in December 1923 when Chittaranjan Das formulated "Bengal Pact"—he entered into an agreement with the nationalist Muslim members so as to join the electoral battles together.

The pact envisaged several concessions to the Muslims like banning music near mosques, unrestricted cow slaughter, job opportunity for members of the community etc. In Muslim majority undivided Bengal, Das knew political power depended a large part on support from the Muslim community.

Subhas Bose also knew the political importance of the Muslims in Bengal. When he was sent packing from Congress, Bose contested Calcutta Corporation election along with Muslim League and ignored a possible winning alliance with Syama Prasad Mukherjee's Hindu Mahasabha. That Muslim support was not for Congress was seen even in the early days of West Bengal elections. Dr Bidhan Chandra Ray, former chief minister of West Bengal, in his second electoral battle from Bowbazar seat, nearly lost the election since Muslims did not support him. He defeated the communist candidate Md Ismail by mere 540 votes and left the constituency in the next election of 1962.