MARXISTS IN BENGAL

Marxists have changed in Bengal: you no longer recognize them from their attitude and perception. But they are a tightly organized body, and far too clever for the opposition to replace them.

On this Sunday there would be a huge meeting at Brigade - as the first shot for the general election to be held in April-May - and you can expect some ten lakhs or so from across the state would assemble to show their solidarity with the rulers.

The Marxists have already ruled Bengal uninterruptedly for about thirty years, and is perhaps heading for another five-year term.

Of couse, it's boring to get the same set of persons as ministers over and over again, but given the riff-raff opposition, you're left with no other alternative but to listen to their empty rhetoric and promises.
MRINAL BOSE