In today’s rapidly evolving world, the stark contrast between technological advancements and the political landscape can often seem jarring. As highlighted by evolutionary biologist E.O. Wilson, humanity finds itself grappling with a strange amalgamation of “Stone Age emotions, medieval institutions, and godlike technology.” This peculiar combination has significant implications, particularly in regions where political stability and economic growth appear disjointed.
One notable example is West Bengal, where the leadership of Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) raises questions about the interplay between poverty and political power. Critics argue that maintaining a population in a state of economic stagnation can serve to bolster a political party’s hegemony. By ensuring that a large segment of society remains economically inactive or underemployed, the ruling party preserves its political grip through reliance on populist measures rather than fostering genuine industrial growth.
Indeed, the statistics paint a troubling picture for West Bengal’s economy. A dramatic decline in the contribution to the national GDP—from 10.5% in 1960-61 to 5.6% today—illustrates a desperate need for fresh industry and investment. Over the last five years alone, 2,227 companies, including 39 listed ones, have relocated outside the state, reflecting a waning confidence in West Bengal as an economic hub. Once a leader in registered companies, the state has slipped to the eighth position, a testament to its diminishing industrial infrastructure.
The stale narrative of political resistance to modernity has a historical context. The previous governance in West Bengal, prior to Banerjee, effectively stifled any significant technological advancements, an approach that the current administration has, perhaps intentionally, perpetuated. The reluctance to embrace even basic manufacturing initiatives is evident in the sluggish growth and the declining number of functional industrial units. Reports suggest that between 2016 and 2021, more than 21,500 industrial units either shut down or ceased operations within the state—a devastating statistic for a community seeking economic recovery.
However, the discontent surrounding economic instability does not seem to translate into unrest among the populace. Many residents, especially the young, have sought greener pastures in more economically vibrant states like Karnataka and Gujarat. As they migrate for better job opportunities, the impact on West Bengal’s per capita income becomes increasingly stark. Once boasting a per capita income 127.5% above the national average, the state now lags at just 83.7%. Such a disparity highlights the exodus of skilled labor and the lack of aspiration among those remaining.
Furthermore, the political machinery continues to benefit from the status quo. The TMC government focuses on the economically inactive population, often providing allowances in exchange for political loyalty. This strategy mirrors medieval practices where rulers maintained control by offering incentives to secure the allegiance of their subjects. This reliance on financial doles stifles any potential desire among residents to demand development, sustaining a cycle of poverty that the administration seems content to perpetuate.
The situation becomes increasingly dire when considering infrastructure and capital investments in the region. The evidence indicates that the state government has prioritized revenue expenditure over capital investment, with only a modest growth rate in the latter. Such budgetary allocations suggest a profound unwillingness to invest in long-term economic development—a critical area necessary for nurturing the industries that the state desperately needs.
The political ramifications of this maladaptive economic strategy are significant. When leaders prioritize maintaining power over fostering genuine progress, they effectively undermine the potential prosperity of their constituents. This leads to a populace lacking ambition, content with survival rather than striving for success. The consequences are not only economic; they extend into the social fabric of the community, perpetuating cycles of dependence and limiting the aspirations of future generations.
In conclusion, the case of West Bengal exemplifies the dangers of intertwining medieval political structures with an economy that desperately needs to embrace the advancements that “godlike technology” can offer. As political parties like the TMC utilize strategies rooted in poverty and dependence, the need for a departure from this cycle becomes evident. While the foundation of human cooperation is vital for communal success, fostering genuine development and embracing technological progress is essential for breaking free from the chains of an outdated political ideology. Only then can West Bengal begin to realize its potential as a thriving industrial player in a modern economy.
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