Experiences Under Communist Rule in West Bengal: A Personal Account

Growing up in West Bengal during a period of significant political turbulence, I have firsthand experiences that shape my understanding of life under communist rule. Although I was a middle school student when the TMC (Trinamool Congress) took over, the impact of the previous CPM (Communist Party of India (Marxist)) rule is still deeply remembered. Here, I recount the daily struggles and harsh realities faced by individuals living under the CPM.

Power Cuts and Their Impact

One of the most prominent and frequent occurrences under the CPM rule was the omnipresent power cuts. Almost every alternate evening, the city of Kolkata would experience a prolonged outage lasting hours. The situation was so dire that on many occasions, the power would not even stabilize in the morning. In contrast, under the TMC rule, power cuts are a rare occurrence, with the last one being observed only once a year. Power cuts were a constant and disruptive element of daily life, affecting various aspects of society, from study schedules to business operations.

Strikes and Their Consequences

The CPM frequently called strikes, locally known as ‘Bandhs’. Almost every slight inconvenience was a trigger for these strikes, including school closings, office closures, and public transportation disruptions. Not adhering to these strikes could result in brutal punishment, with the local police resorting to lathi charges (a type of baton made of bamboo). Students, like myself, often faced the challenge of missing study time and exams due to these overnight announcements. This tactic by the CPM made strikes a rare sight now under the TMC rule.

Shutdowns and Economic Decline

The frequent strikes and the actions of workers and their unions led to numerous factory shutdowns. One particular factory next to my residence, which produced either paper or plastic, faced closure due to protests. The overall economic environment of West Bengal suffered as factories shut down, leading to fewer job opportunities and lower economic growth.

Law and Disorder

The infrastructure of West Bengal during this period was poorly maintained. Roads were in a deplorable state, with unaltered cracks and repair-less loose rocks abound. Gang wars were frequent, and criminals ruled the streets, making residents feel unsafe even within the confines of their homes. The TMC government managed to curtail these issues after taking power, leading to more stability and security for the populace.

Control of Speech and Authority

Free speech was severely curtailed under communist rule. Dissent was not tolerated, and anyone against the ruling party could face physical violence from members. Conversely, in every interaction, one had to be submissive towards local communist officials. The need to report crimes to the local communist comissar was also a common occurrence. This stifling environment undeniably shaped the societal dynamics of West Bengal during communist rule.

The experiences of living under the CPM rule in West Bengal reveal a society struggling with power cuts, strikes, economic decline, and law and order issues. With the advent of the TMC, many of these problems have been alleviated, yet the impact of prolonged communist rule is still felt. These personal accounts offer insight into how governance and policy can deeply affect the daily lives of individuals.