New Delhi: A day before the crucial fourth phase of polls in West Bengal, CNN-IBN travelled to one of Bengal's most politically troubled spots in Hoogly.
In 63 assembly constituencies many of which have been predominantly CPIM strongholds for 34 years, there seems to be a steady erosion of left's vote share.
Several of these areas have seen intense political clashes between the two parties for area domination.
47-year-old Anup Ghosh is not a Maoist or a terrorist but an ordinary party worker in Bengal fighting not just for his life but also to defend his party.
He is among those who managed to survive. More than 200 people in Bengal have been killed in the bloody political clashes between the Trinamool and the CPIM since 2010.
Anup Ghosh, a Trinamool worker in Goghat, Hoggly, has come back home after 11 years. He and his friends have returned to fight what they call their last fight. His parents are prepared for any outcome
“I have come back to fight for my party and see it win,” said Anup Ghosh, TMC Worker.
“I am not scared anymore. If he has to die, he will die. I am not scared,” said Shibaram Ghosh, Anup's Father.
“I couldn't sleep, couldn't eat when he was away. It's all up to god,” said Bela Ghosh, Anup's Mother.
For 65-year-old Shobha Patra, CPIM is the only party she has ever known. She and her neighbors were beaten up by security personnel after they allegedly burnt Trinamool flags. The CPIM candidate says that it is the Trinamool which is instigating them.
“They want us to support TMC. Why will I? I will remain with CPIM till I die. I don't care if they kill me,” said Shobha Patra, CPIM Supporter.
“TMC is instigating us at any pretext they want us to react. They want violence,” said Asit Mallik, CPIM Candidate from Arambagh Town-.
Nowhere in the country will you see politics permeating the lives of ordinary people as in Bengal. The vicious political battle between the CPIM and the TMC is played out in village courtyards between brothers, between neighbours, between those who were once friends - the only constant is their desperate fight for survival.
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