Basu: capitalism has its own role

KOLKATA: Veteran Marxist leader Jyoti Basu said here on Saturday that he had no objection to capitalism which had its own role. “We want infusion of capital, both foreign and domestic [for the State’s development]. But we have to take care of each other’s interests and also safeguard workers’ interests.”

When journalists sought his reaction on getting private capital for the State and whether he had any objections to it, Mr. Basu said: “What objections? — I don’t understand!”To queries on opposition to private capital by the Left Front partners, Mr. Basu said: “We live in a capitalist system and only three other States are ruled by the CPI(M) and its partners.”

The State’s political agenda might be socialism-oriented and socialism was its objective, but “we have our limitations since we are part of a federal structure — how can we practise socialism?”

While it was not possible to bring about radical changes, reforms would be ushered in within this structure itself. To a comment that pursuing capitalism had only increased unemployment at the national level, Mr. Basu said this was but natural and this was the reason why it was so important to make people aware and increase their consciousness.

Coming just two days after the statements made by his party colleague Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, Mr. Basu’s comments assumed significance.

Addressing an audience on the occasion of the 42nd foundation day of the Bengali daily, Ganashakti (power of the people), which is the mouthpiece of the CPI(M), Mr. Bhattacharjee said capitalism had to be accepted as there was no state capital.

Despite drawing flak from his coalition partners for wooing private capital, Mr. Bhattacharjee also reiterated that there was need to be realistic in a situation where there was no alternative.

News Source : Samachar