Labour Day is often associated with the Left parties, trade unions and workers’ movements. As one celebrates Labour Day in the midst of a national election, it is relevant to dilate on the current state of Left parties and their role in contemporary Indian politics. After decades of enjoying uninterrupted power in West Bengal, the Trinamool Congress of Mamata Banerjee, emerged as ‘more Left than the Left’. In a post- liberalization environment, the Left parties and the movements they are associated with have lost an opportunity to represent the voice of those disadvantaged by the processes of liberalization and privatization. The Left parties have been unable to package and present these issues, moving beyond their ideological prism, in a manner that can draw public attention and become the basis of electoral support.

Source: Mint April 30, 2019 19:18 UTC