Maharashtra debacle

While the CPI(M)’s mouthpiece People’s Democracy was silent on the Assembly election results — understandably so since the Left-supported 16-party alliance failed to click — CPI’s weekly organ New Age was frank in admitting that there was no “proper coordination” among the constituents of the front. In its lead editorial, the New Age went to the extent of saying that the TINA (there is no alternative) factor did play a role in the outcome of the polls in Maharashtra. “First of all the front came into existence very late. There was no proper coordination among the constituents and about 40 per cent of the seats there were mutual contests,” it said. “After the foundation rally (on September 12), programme for four other rallies was announced, but none materialised,” it says. Overall, the performance of the Left in the three states that went to polls was dismal, but the poor showing in Maharasthra calls for “serious introspection”, particularly about the functioning of their party organisations.

Train hijack

Both the New Age and People’s Democracy had articles insinuating that Trinamool Congress leader and Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee had a role in the Rajdhani train hold up. The New Age claimed that it never occurred to Mamata that the “mischief” will cause untold miseries to the passengers, small children and pregnant women. “Rajdhani Express is the symbol of comfort, protection and safe journey for the people. She (Mamata) has done the greatest disservice to the people and has no moral right to remain in the said post and play havoc with the life of the people,” it said claiming thatthe train siege was “written and directed” by the railway minister.

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