chandrasekhar bhattacharjee explores the possibility of a power-sharing arrangement in post-2011 polls West Bengal, with Pranab Mukherjee becoming CM first, followed by Mamata
Those, who follow Indian politics at the national level as well as the state-level, are familiar with the rocky relationship that Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has enjoyed with her alliance partners. While the infamous departure from the NDA Cabinet takes the cake, the latest example has been the agitations and street protests against the Centre’s decision to hike fuel prices. But Mamata has matured as a politician and, as a balancing act, said the following on a television show, “If the people want Pranab Mukherjee as the Chief Minister, let him become the CM. I am willing to work under him even as a clerk. I have no ambition for any particular post. I have no personal possession other than my jhola. I am in politics only to serve the people.”
The political grapevine has it that Mamata’s statement should not be seen as an extension of olive branch. The Trinamool Congress and the Indian National Congress might actually be contemplating an arrangement in which the two will share the chief minister’s chair with Pranab Mukherjee taking the seat first. While leaders in both the parties termed this as mere speculation, such an arrangement could actually benefit the state of Bengal, many observers feel.
The dice of the 2011 Assembly polls in West Bengal are loaded in favour of the Opposition. Both the Trinamool and the Congress are aware of the Herculean effort needed to reverse the undoings of the 35-year-old Left Front (Read CPM) rule and lead the state towards betterment. Kumud Bhattacharya, former Pradesh Chhatra Parishad president turned political commentator says, “Mamata may think of utilising Pranab Mukherjee’s expertise and wisdom to give a push at the beginning. She can then take over and run the government without many hiccups”. He admits there are problems though, the biggest being acceptability of such an arrangement by the Trinamool rank and file.
A section of political analysts also feels that Mamata may opt for this arrangement as this will help her play the role of Sonia Gandhi in state politics. It will ensure that the Congress sticks to the alliance. On the other hand, Mukherjee’s wisdom and experience would come in handy in offsetting any situation of lawlessness that may arise out of the Left Front’s electoral defeat. Mukherjee’s proximity to the CPI(M) can also help the matter.
Those, who follow Indian politics at the national level as well as the state-level, are familiar with the rocky relationship that Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee has enjoyed with her alliance partners. While the infamous departure from the NDA Cabinet takes the cake, the latest example has been the agitations and street protests against the Centre’s decision to hike fuel prices. But Mamata has matured as a politician and, as a balancing act, said the following on a television show, “If the people want Pranab Mukherjee as the Chief Minister, let him become the CM. I am willing to work under him even as a clerk. I have no ambition for any particular post. I have no personal possession other than my jhola. I am in politics only to serve the people.”
The political grapevine has it that Mamata’s statement should not be seen as an extension of olive branch. The Trinamool Congress and the Indian National Congress might actually be contemplating an arrangement in which the two will share the chief minister’s chair with Pranab Mukherjee taking the seat first. While leaders in both the parties termed this as mere speculation, such an arrangement could actually benefit the state of Bengal, many observers feel.
The dice of the 2011 Assembly polls in West Bengal are loaded in favour of the Opposition. Both the Trinamool and the Congress are aware of the Herculean effort needed to reverse the undoings of the 35-year-old Left Front (Read CPM) rule and lead the state towards betterment. Kumud Bhattacharya, former Pradesh Chhatra Parishad president turned political commentator says, “Mamata may think of utilising Pranab Mukherjee’s expertise and wisdom to give a push at the beginning. She can then take over and run the government without many hiccups”. He admits there are problems though, the biggest being acceptability of such an arrangement by the Trinamool rank and file.
A section of political analysts also feels that Mamata may opt for this arrangement as this will help her play the role of Sonia Gandhi in state politics. It will ensure that the Congress sticks to the alliance. On the other hand, Mukherjee’s wisdom and experience would come in handy in offsetting any situation of lawlessness that may arise out of the Left Front’s electoral defeat. Mukherjee’s proximity to the CPI(M) can also help the matter.
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