Braving the rising mercury, the Left Front has started campaigning for yet another political battle. Election schedule for the three-tier Panchayat bodies having announced, the Left Front has embarked on vigorous campaign, which in all certainty is far ahead from the opposition in its reach and appeal. Standing on the solid foundation laid by hard work over the years, Left Front can proudly claim credit for the complete turnaround in the rural economy. The redistribution of significantly large proportion of land among the rural poor through land reforms dramatically altered the production relations in the rural sector which in turn unleashed the untapped productive forces. This is manifested in increased agricultural productivity over the years. When the average national agricultural growth has been declining over the past one and half decade, Bengal has seen a significant growth in agricultural productivity, almost twice the rate of growth of population. Today it is not only self-sufficient, but also supplies to other states in India and contributes to India’s export earnings.

Panchayat elections were initiated in the year 1978, after Left Front assumed office in 1977. This was one of the major contributions towards greater decentralization of power. Today it has been able to involve the rural poor in the decision making process through their active involvement in the activities of the Panchayat in the form of direct participation or through the Self Help Groups. This has empowered the rural people, including woman, politically and economically.

This achievement does not in any way take away the challenges that stare at our face. Globalisation and economic liberalization has opened up new challenges and new frontiers. Also, climatic changes brought about man’s incessant desires have also created new areas of concerns. Farmers today are finding it harder to get remunerative prices for their produce. Cheap imports and mindless economic policies of the Central Government have brought about misery to the rural poor.

There are other challenges that stare at us. Major challenges being extending rural road network, rural electrification, expanding of education, including that of minority communities, diversification of agriculture, improvement in irrigation facilities, water management and soil conservation. Use of bio-technology. Improvement in marketing facilities and communication facilities with particular emphasis of usage of Information Technology. There is much to be done.

In this respect, victory of Left Front in the rural elections is very important not only for the continuation of the alternative development path initiated by the Left Front but also set it as an example for the entire nation. West Bengal, being the advanced signpost of the Left and Communist movement in India, has a greater role to play in the face of increased attack from the reactionary forces to undermine the Left. Thus the victory in this election is a political necessity.

The manifesto for the elections calls for greater decentralization, generation of employment opportunity, forming a grand alliance of working people and all democratic and secular minded people, improvement of Panchayat System and defeating the unprincipled and opportunistic alliance of reactionary forces.