THE CPI(M) West Bengal state committee has thoroughly reviewed the election results in its two day meeting on June 2-3. CPI(M) general secretary Prakash Karat, along with Polit Bureau members Sitaram Yechury and Manik Sarkar were present in the meeting. The preliminary review report and the discussion on it identified the rise of BJP to power and its strengthened support in states including West Bengal as a dangerous turn of politics. Along with them, the TMC has gained seats in West Bengal. The strengthening of the two rightist political forces and weakening of the Left has imposed serious dangers before the democratic movement and the working people. The review report and the discussions have identified both political and organisational reasons for the Left Front’s unexpected setback. The BJP has taken advantage of intense anti-Congress discontent among people. The national situation has affected the scenario in Bengal too and the idea of alternatives other than the BJP did not find ground. There was weakness in combating BJP’s aggressive campaign. The BJP even took advantage of the discontent against the TMC government in the state. There were lapses in the election organisation too. The election organisation was not satisfactorily active in many areas. The review also took into account the impact of large scale terror in the state. In many areas, election campaign could not be conducted due to intense terror. On the day of elections, large scale rigging and booth capturing took place. The Election Commission failed miserably to facilitate free, fair elections. These were reflected in the vote share. In many constituencies, peoples’ verdict was not reflected in the result. The state committee decided to thoroughly examine in an objective manner the difference of vote share between the Left Front and the TMC and determine the impact of political reasons and rigging behind that. After the discussion, Prakash Karat, in his address, said that major political change has occurred in the country with the BJP getting absolute majority on its own. The BJP, which is backed by the RSS has received unstinted support of the big bourgeoisie. On the other hand, the CPI(M) and the Left have suffered throughout the country except in Tripura. The Party has to take appropriate steps to face this unprecedented situation. Karat said that the Central Committee would review the electoral tactical line and all related questions. The impact of the BJP’s campaign, though apprehended, could not be effectively combated even in states like West Bengal. The TMC’s three year rule in Bengal has provided a fertile ground for the the communal forces. This will pose a serious danger in the future. With the weakening of the Left and weakness in class movements, identity politics has grown. The Party has to adopt proper political line to meet the challenge. Karat said, the Party and the Left movement in Bengal are facing fascistic kind of terror. Elementary democratic rights are being attacked. It is an urgent task for the entire Party and the leadership to stand by the people who are being attacked. It is an urgent task to defend and protect Party’s activists and supporters. The Party will take up this attack on democracy in West Bengal throughout the country in a big way. Karat said, we have to take up peoples’ issues and develop class and mass movements even in such an adverse situation. We should develop independent activities of class and mass organisations. Karat said that the Party will patiently listen to and grasp criticism, suggestions, and opinions of the Party members, supporters and sympathisers. We will critically process the political and organisational issues and take all necessary measures within the framework of the Party. Summing up the discussion, Biman Basu said that this election was fought in an entirely different situation from the past. We have to work harder to overcome the weaknesses identified in the election struggle and in Party organisation. Sustained ideological campaign against the communal forces should be conducted. To combat this danger, working class and peasants’ movements have to be strengthened. One of the major areas of priority will be developing the work style of the mass organisations. The state Party will take up this matter urgently. The Party and leaders at all levels will steadfastly stand by the victims of terror. The Party will take more initiatives to support them legally. It will collect funds to support those who have become homeless in terror. Meanwhile, the Left Front has decided to submit deputation to the chief minister on June 9 demanding immediate halt of violence in the districts. On June 25 , conventions will be organised on the issue of protecting democracy commemorating the anniversary of the declaration of internal emergency. On June 30, Hul day will be observed throughout the state. On July 8, the birth centenary celebration of Comrade Jyoti Basu will be observed throughout the state.