As a youth of mid 20, I’ve grown up hearing a common phrase - “Once upon a time left had a strong hold in Bihar” but I never saw any significant electoral result in favor of the Communist parties in Bihar in last two decades. However quite a few districts of the State are actually strongholds of CPI(ML)(L) and CPI, which are the two most significant Left Parties in Bihar. In the year 1995, CPI won 26 assembly seats and CPI(ML)(L) succeeded to win 6 seats. Perhaps it was the last election where communist forces got a good number of seats in Bihar assembly. They have been losing their grip ever since the beginning of 21st Century.
But we know that fall of Communist Party is just a persuasion to its’ resurgence. Recently CPI made a comeback in the state of Bihar with some huge public gatherings and mass movements in presence of their star young leader Kanhaiya Kumar who seems to be the most influential student-youth leader of the country in recent times. CPI(ML)(L) has also gained some new areas and became much more liberal in terms of electoral politics. This year, CPI, CPI(ML)(L) and CPI(M) have formed a Grand Alliance with Rashtriya Janta Dal (RJD – A regional party based on the State of Bihar) and Indian National Congress (INC) in this ongoing assembly elections. Most of the exit polls are showing a high chance for the Left to make a good comeback in electoral politics in Bihar. Left supporters are campaigning with high hopes and a lot of huge gatherings are taking place in different regions of Bihar. The three stage voting process has been started and the results will be declared on 10th November.
But, what will be the impact of this election on the Left movement in near future if the Left-RJD-INC alliance wins the elections in Bihar?
For sure, there will be a strong impact on West Bengal state assembly elections which is scheduled to be conducted in about 6 months from now. Not to mention that West Bengal is the state where Left ruled for more than 3 decades continuously from 1977 to 2011. But due to the unfortunate inclination towards the religious fundamentalism, Leftists have been losing their political ground in West Bengal as well. If it really turns out to be a positive result for Left in Bihar assembly elections, it might just enhance the confidence and hope of the common left cadres and supporters of West Bengal, as Bengal and Bihar share a long common border.
On the other hand, Bihar is said to be one of the so called “Backward States” where extreme casteism is still darkening its’ colours. The movement of social justice as well as social equality and the ongoing movement to ensure zero casteism will become more powerful if Left wins. Also the problems of land reforms might be solved as it is a prime agenda of the Communist parties in India.
Moreover, anarchy in the country with the religious polarisation and growing fierce fascism will get a big thrust and a tight slap if grand alliance (Left-RJD-INC alliance) can ensure their victory in Bihar.
