From the States : West Bengal

Unite to restore democracy in WB: Advaniji
From Our Special Correspondent

BJP National President Shri L. K. Advani was invited to the Trinamool Youth Congress convention held in Kolkata on December 18. The NTC Chief Mamata Banerjee, senior JD(U) leader Shri Digvijay Singh, Shri S. S. Ray from Congress, Shri D. Sarkar from NCP and CPIM(L) leader Anjan Chatterjee were also present.

Talking about the proposed grand alliance Mahajot, Shri Advani asked "all like-minded persons to unite in order to restore democracy in the State". Targeting those who "have thought it fit to assist the Left Front instead of pulling it down", Shri Advani said, "We will welcome the Congress if they join us in ending the Marxist yoke in Bengal... but if they don't, we will fight (on) our own (the) battle against the CPI(M)."

Pointing to Shri S. S. Ray's presence on the dais Shri Advani said, "Often it is more important to watch who were present in such meetings than what was being said from the dais". On the confusion in Congress about joining this alliance, Shri Advani noted, "Considering the power equation in Delhi, we understand that it is difficult for them to form an alliance against the Left in Bengal ... nonetheless, presence of Mr. Ray at the meeting proves that there are still right minded people in that party."

Making his stand very clear Shri Advani said, "I am not interested in whether the much talked of Mahajot becomes a reality. But I am keen to see that democracy is restored in Bengal after a long gap of almost 30 years... If that was possible in Eastern Europe, there is no reason why it cannot happen in Bengal."

Using the recent victory in Bihar as an example, Shri Advani reminded everyone that "before the elections in Bihar, sceptics refused to foresee an end of the 'jungle-raj' perpetrated by the RJD... They told me how difficult it was to dislodge a party which was sharing power at the Centre... But the Election Commission worked wonders there by instilling confidence among the voters and the result was there for all to see".

He added that there was no reason why the same story could not be replayed in Bengal, "Only you have to cooperate with the Election Commission in conducting free and fair election.". Hailing democracy Shri Advani remarked that India was respected internationally because of its "vibrant, vigorous democracy ... but can you say that same thing is prevalent in Bengal ... how can one justify one party ruling a State for 30 long years?"