CPM attacks Rahul on ‘two Bengals’ remark
The CPI(M) on Thursday criticised Rahul Gandhi for his remarks about “two Bengals” claiming that a comparison of the socio-economic indicators of Purulia with those in Rae Bareli and Amethi will tell the “real story”. The party alleged that UPA-2 government perpetuates the widening gulf between the “shining” and “suffering” India .
“Some parts of West Bengal like Purulia had been described as the most backward in the country. A comparison of the socio-economic indicators of Purulia with those in Rae Bareli and Amethi will tell the real story,” an editorial in the CPI(M) mouthpiece People’s Democracy said. Noting that one can understand such campaigns at the time of elections, the party said, it should be based on facts and realities. Mr Gandhi during his rally in West Bengal had described Purulia as one of the most backward parts of the country and said there exists two Bengals — one for the rich and another for the poor.
“The number of people below the poverty line in Purulia is 31 per cent compared to 54 per cent in Rae Bareli and Amethi. Likewise, families with electricity were 29 compared 14; per capita expenditure is `461 compared to `385; vaccinated children 84 compared to 16; neo-natal deaths 46 compared to 83 per thousand; and fatality below five years 89 compared to 160 per thousand,” the editorial claimed.
The party also said that the most effective way of tackling such situation is land reforms and West Bengal ranks foremost amongst all states on this score.
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