Didi could gain ahead of assembly polls next year

As the secret files on Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose are revealed for the first time, Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee will score political brownie points about eight months from the 2016 Assembly polls.

Political experts and leaders told HT that Banerjee’s decision might be fuelled by subtle political gains. Also, embarrassment for the Congress, a major opponent, will delight Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which can indirectly cement her bond with him.

Another collateral benefit for the Trinamool could be new friction between the All India Forward Bloc, an important constituent of the Left Front, and the Congress. “It may be in the Trinamool’s interest to prevent the Left and Congress from coming close in West Bengal before the polls. The Forward Bloc will have major reservations once Congress’ role after Netaji’s disappearance is revealed,” said Shibaji Pratim Basu, a political science expert.

“History will remember Banerjee as the first politician who dared to open up the files to the public. The Trinamool has nothing to lose, it will only gain,” said a senior TMC leader, request- ing anonymity.

“After remaining aloof for years, the Bengal chief minister suddenly decided to declassify the files. It seems to be a calculated move before the Assembly polls. Banerjee’s image will get a boost, riding the tremendous sentiment regarding Netaji in the state,” said Amal Mukhopadhyay, former principal of the Presidency College.

Those in political circles believe that the move will also help PM Modi declassify about 130 files with the Centre — supposed to be more important in terms of content.

But the Bengal BJP leadership believes the timing of the declassification is another attempt by Banerjee to divert attention from the law and order problems and other issues plaguing the state.

“All her promises of development in Bengal have turned hollow. Now she has nothing with which to woo the people. So she is trying to divert attention. After so many months in power, why did she suddenly decide to make these files public?” asked Rahul Sinha, state BJP president.

Meanwhile, former president of state Congress, Pradip Bhattacharya, bravely said, “Let her declassify the files. I don’t think the files in Bengal contain much material.”