Prasenjit Bose, Renowned Economist and Passionate Social Activist, Joins Congress to Ignite Change and Empower Communities!
Economist and social activist Prasenjit Bose, a prominent figure in West Bengal’s social and political landscape, is set to join the Congress party. At 51, Bose has a robust history of political activism, having previously resigned from the Communist Party of India (Marxist) in 2012 due to ideological differences over the party’s support for Pranab Mukherjee’s presidential candidacy.
Confirming his switch to Congress, Bose stated, “There is an assault on the Constitution by the government of the day. The battle against it is being fought by the Congress party and Rahul Gandhi. They are the only ones trying to protect the Constitution.” This statement highlights his motivation for aligning with a party that he believes is committed to constitutional values.
Bose has spearheaded various movements in West Bengal, notably against the National Register of Citizens (NRC). He served as the convenor of the Joint Forum Against NRC in Kolkata. Recently, he has also raised awareness about land acquisition issues linked to the Deocha Pachami Coal Mining project, emphasizing the need to protect tribal rights. His activism faced pushback from West Bengal’s ruling party, illustrating the risks involved in advocating for marginalized communities.
“Right now, the biggest challenge for the people is to resist Special Intensive Revision (SIR) to safeguard their voting rights,” Bose emphasized. He noted the urgency of addressing SIR, expected to commence in October in West Bengal. “The Congress party has mounted a substantial challenge against SIR in Bihar, where I’ve gained grassroots experience,” he added.
Bose believes that his affiliation with Congress will amplify his efforts, as leader Rahul Gandhi has been actively addressing crucial issues, such as caste census. His involvement with the party is seen as a potential catalyst for reinvigorating grassroots movements.
He is expected to be formally inducted into the Congress at a Kolkata event on September 15, 2025, in the presence of State Congress president Subhankar Sarkar. This move comes as a significant boost for the Congress party ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls in West Bengal, where their representation has dwindled. Currently, the Congress holds no seats in the State Assembly, although it secured the Malda Dakshin Lok Sabha seat in the 2024 elections.
Historically, the Congress party allied with the Trinamool Congress to end the Left Front’s 34-year reign in 2011. However, since 2016, it has pursued a partnership with the CPI(M)-led Left Front, which has not yielded substantial electoral success.
With Bose’s entry, Congress aims to regain traction in West Bengal, where it faces challenges in reconnecting with an electorate that has shifted favor over the years. His experience and commitment to social issues may play a pivotal role in revitalizing the party’s influence in the state leading up to the crucial elections.
As the political landscape evolves, Prasenjit Bose’s joining of the Congress party will be closely watched, reflecting the dynamic interplay of local political forces and social activism in West Bengal.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/economist-and-social-activist-prasenjit-bose-to-join-congress/article70045020.ece
Category : West Bengal
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Publish Date: 2025-09-13 15:15:00
