February 23, 1998

Somnath Chatterjee
CPI (M)

Bolpur West Bengal
Electorate: 9.8 lakh
Main Rival: Suniti Chattoraj (Congress)

If Bolpur was earlier known for its closeness to Rabindranath Tagore's Vishwa Bharati, its present VIP in command is unquestionably Somnath Chatterjee. Its representative since a 1985 by-election, Chatterjee has masterminded all development projects in the area, and is a monthly visitor to the town. Given the support of the well-greased CPI(M) machinery, Chatterjee's victory in the past was taken for granted -- often voters didn't even know the names of his rivals.Things are a bit different now. The 69-year-old Marxist barrister has taken campaigning with unusual seriousness.

In meetings, he accuses the "barbaric" BJP of having pulled down the Babri Masjid, flays Mamata Banerjee for aligning with the saffron brigade and raps the Congress, gently though, for harbouring "tainted politicians" like Satish Sharma. Following a party brief perhaps, he maintains a cautious silence on Sonia Gandhi. Why? "Well, Sharma was fined by the Supreme Court but nothing against Sonia has been proved."

In the village gossip circles, the horrors of the Babri demolition do not wash. On the other hand, there is hot speculation that Chatterjee would get the industry portfolio if Sonia becomes prime minister in case of another Congress-UF coalition. Is that possible? On an evening train to Calcutta, Chatterjee smilingly says, "It's not the party line yet." There is a gleam of longing in his eyes. Is that possible? Is that possible?

-- Sumit Mitra

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