[Reader-list] Prabhat Patnaik on Nandigram Letter Debate

[Tapas Ray]

Thank you, Naeem. This is far more sophisticated than the defence we
have seen so far on this list. A few impressions from a quick scan in
lieu of a reading, for which I do not have time just now,
unfortunately.

Here is a gem that caught my eye, and I love it: "The revolt against
the CPI(M) is simultaneously a revolt against politics." I wish I
could have such wonderful certitudes in life. That would have made my
life a lot simpler, if a little empty of reflective content.

However, that is just me, an armchair revolutionary of the
anti-politics brigade ... maybe not even that, because I hesitate to
call myself leftist or rightist, and the author is referring
specifically to leftists who have turned against the CPI(M) ... so I
am probably even beneath scorn. Anyhow, from my (rightful) place in
the nether regions, I would like to squeak a warning to active
anti-politics revolutionaries: Beware! You have been put out of play;
disqualified from the arena of politics lock, stock, and barrel.

One other thing - the author seems to be rather fond of the phrase
"messianic moralism." I am curious to know if this is his original
contribution to theorizing about Indian politics. And what exactly is
its analytic value? I would appreciate it if members who have studied
these things, would enlighten me.

Last but not the least, there is the formula of "all of you who attack
us are helping the barbarians at the gate". Not really novel, but
probably effective with some people.

Tapas


On 12/12/2007, Naeem Mohaiemen <naeem.mohaiemen at gmail.com> wrote:
> THE LEFT AND ITS "INTELLECTUAL" DETRACTORS
>
> PRABHAT PATNAIK
>
> With normalcy returning to Nandigram, and with the heat generated over it in
> intellectual circles somewhat subsiding, it is time for us to ask the
> question: why did so many intellectuals suddenly turn against the Party with
> such amazing fury on this issue?