By worshipping HinduGods!

JAI Ma Tara. This invocation to goddess Kali has triggered off a heated debate in the CPI(M)—a party of ostensible non-believers—on God vs Marx. Or rather, on whether Marxists can seek divine blessings, even privately. The issue came out after Bengal’s transport minister, Subhas Chakraborty, visited the Kali temple at Tarapith, 300 km from Calcutta, on September 13 and offered puja. Photos of him praying at the temple and his statements reiterating his right to practise his religion have embarrassed the Marxists in West Bengal.

The reasons might be many. Perhaps 60-plus years of Hinduism-bashing got them nowhere, perhaps their Red Bible never gave them any guidelines to deal with Hinduism, perhaps they’re Hindus at heart(Red Sacrilege!), or perhaps this is just yet another political gimmick to show the voters that they aren’t anti-Hindu, and perhaps, a combination of all of these reasons.

Whatever, but the Party Elders are not amused.

Censuring his protege, Jyoti Basu minced no words and said: “Whom does he see and worship? Does She (goddess Kali) exist? It would be better if he worshipped mankind.”

That lofty statement merits some examination. Jyotida is spot on but can he please elaborate on his idea of “worshipping mankind.” His track record of such worship is derived from an ideology that has murdered millions of human beings.

Chakraborty has simply voiced what the party refuses to admit: Marxism is dead as a political philosophy in India. Curious that Prakash Karat is silent on this issue.

Footnote: The comments on this article make entertaining reading.