View: Much like the high-pitched campaign, even the average voter in Nandigram has become unabashedly vocal
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Synopsis
In true Stalinist fashion, such territorial grip also saw cadres recruited to spy on neighbours and report every conversation, opinion or chance remark back to the dreaded local committee.
PTI
China may have split the Communists of Bengal but they never made it to state elections. However, Pakistan and even the Rohingya of Myanmar have surreptitiously crept into Nandigram’s election agenda.
“Arrey dada, Pakistan mane Moselman, bujhlen na. Pakistan bolley lokey khaye,” I get my first tutorial on the lay of the land at the local tea stall in Hazrakata Bazzar. Till then, my urban sensibilities had failed to comprehend Pakistan as a euphemism for Muslims. Apparently, such a moniker wins votes: just say Pakistan and people will buy it. At the same spot in this key intersection, on a similarly muggy March morning in 2007, villagers had forgotten their caste
1:11 PM
Mamta Banerjee has been campaigning with her life to win the power of West Bengal for the third consecutive time, and this time the biggest obstacle in her campaign is the BJP. The dates for the West Bengal assembly elections are near. Meanwhile, a round of accusation between the two parties continues. But now, beyond this allegation, the fight in Bengal is going to come on the promises made to the people, because today the Trinamool Congress will issue its manifesto.
The election campaign is in full swing. At the same time, difficulties have increased before the release of the manifesto of West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee. The Election Commission has called a report on the announcement of Mamta Banerjee’s plan to provide free ration to the homes of every poor in Purulia. TMC will release its manifesto on Wednesday i.e. today.