Kolkata Didn’t Die, It Was Murdered: Sanjeev Sanyal’s Unfiltered Take
!Kolkata
Introduction
In a recent podcast, economist Sanjeev Sanyal dropped a bombshell: “Kolkata didn’t die; it was murdered.” His words reverberated across the intellectual circles, sparking debates, nostalgia, and introspection. Let’s dissect this bold statement and explore the socio-political landscape that led to Kolkata’s decline.
‘Kolkata didn’t die, it was murdered’: Sanjeev Sanyal blames poverty of aspiration for city’s mess
The Basu Era: A Tale of Two Cities
Sanjeev Sanyal doesn’t mince words. He points directly at former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu and the Communists. They didn’t just dismantle the economy; they dismantled the very fabric of Kolkata’s identity. The city that once thrived as India’s economic hub was left gasping for breath.
Economic Stagnation and Cultural Erosion
Under the Left rule, industrialization stagnated. Factories shut down, businesses collapsed, and the once-bustling streets echoed with silence. But it wasn’t just about factories; it was about the soul of Kolkata. The Communists didn’t merely destroy the economy; they obliterated the intellectual and cultural sphere.
The Poverty of Aspiration- Sanjeev Sanyal Take
Sanjeev Sanyal’s key argument lies in the “poverty of aspiration.” Why did people keep electing Jyoti Basu despite his lacklustre performance? Electoral malpractice played a part, but the deeper issue was societal aspiration. If your highest aspiration is a union leader or an “adda” intellectual – someone who pontificates over old monks and cigarettes – then don’t be surprised when mediocrity rules the roost.
Marichjhapi Massacre and Power Mismanagement
Sanyal recalls growing up in Kolkata during the 1980s. The Marichjhapi massacre, electricity shortages, and business closures were the norm. Not because Kolkata lacked potential – it was because the leadership lacked vision. Jyoti Basu’s legacy was one of missed opportunities, mismanagement, and misplaced priorities.
Electoral Malpractice and the Iron Grip
Booth capturing became an art form, and the Communists held an iron grip on power. But why did people keep voting for them? Sanyal’s diagnosis: a society that revered union leaders and intellectual chit-chat over progress. If Mrinal Sen’s movies were the pinnacle of aspiration, then Kolkata’s fate was sealed.
Sanjeev Sanyal says ‘Eastern India paid huge price for Kolkata’s failure’
The Aftermath and the TMC Era
In 2011, Mamata Banerjee ousted the Left government. Kolkata breathed a sigh of relief, but the scars remained. The city struggled to recover from decades of neglect. Sanjeev Sanyal’s disdain for socialism and communism was born from witnessing Kolkata’s decline firsthand.
Conclusion: When Titans Collide
Kolkata’s decline wasn’t a natural death; it was a murder orchestrated by flawed ideologies and misplaced priorities. As we reflect on Sanjeev Sanyal’s words, let’s remember that cities are more than brick and mortar – they are living, breathing entities shaped by aspirations and leadership.
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