Minto optimistic about future of left-wing politics
By Amjad Mahmood
LAHORE, Aug 11: Noted progressive activist and lawyer Abid Hasan Minto is optimistic about the future of left-wing politics, arguing that inherent flaws of capitalism and anti-globalization
and anti-US imperialism campaigns are infusing a new spirit into the socialist movement which went lifeless the world over after dismemberment of the USSR in 1989.
However, the newly emerging socio-economic structures may be different from those raised by the former Soviet Union and may cater to the needs of a specific society, he says, adding that deliberations continue on a Pakistani model.
Unjust distribution of wealth in the capitalist system has started showing its negative results in various economies of the world as the poor are getting poorer while fear of multinationals' dominance in the globalization era is forcing people even in developed nations to look for a substitute for this exploitative economic system, he says in an interview with Dawn.
The US attack on Iraq with imperialist designs has provided anti-imperialist forces with an opportunity to reassemble on a single platform and rejuvenate the socialist ideology, he adds.
In the Pakistani context, he says that frustration among the masses due to the rising cost of living coupled with multiplying problems of farmers are levelling the ground for the Left. That is why voices against feudalism are now more widespread than in the past.
Peace talks with India are seizing ground from the establishment and religious forces which had been feeding on anti-India slogans and terming progressive forces traitors for their seeking peace with neighbours, says Mr Minto, who is also chief of the National Workers Party (NWP).
He claims that various groups of the leftist movement are now inclined to forge unity among their ranks as parleys continue among progressive leaders encouraged by the NWP.
For making the movement a success, all the leftist groups have to unite at the national level instead of struggling on the basis of local nationalities, Minto said when asked about the future strategy.
The leadership of trade unions is conscious of the fact that it also has to play a political role for solving problems of the working class, he maintains. Believing that in the current scenario political alignment is all the more necessary for survival, he realises that leftist parties will have to contest elections jointly.
An attempt in this regard was made in the Oct 2002 general election, which, however, remained abortive due to plans of the establishment and efforts for creating further divisions among parties, he disclosed.
"Fielding joint candidates in the forthcoming local councils polls is on our agenda as part of preparations for fielding joint nominees in the general election."
About a comparison between the leftist movement in India and Pakistan, he says it would not be possible due to the difference of environment in the two states. "India has a long history as a nation.
The movement started there in 1921-22. There exists a large working class due to industrial growth, and constitutional rule has remained intact since partition." Despite these facts, the movement remained confined to some pockets, Bengal, Kirala, Tripura, Andhra Pradesh, areas where working class already existed, he argues.
About the socialist economic model his party perceives for Pakistan, the NWP chief says it is consistently under discussion and is being updated in view of global experiences. However, at present it will be a combination of public and private sectors competing with each other.
Perks and privileges in the public sector will be bracketed with productivity. All utilities like railway, power and gas will be kept under state control for public welfare but with an improved incentive-based administrative system. Land reforms will be strictly implemented with 25 acres as a ceiling for canal-fed and 50 acres for rain-fed holdings.
There would be no 70s-like indiscriminate nationalization which in fact only bureau cratized the economy. The step did damage industrialization in the country, he admitted. Flaws in the Soviet structure, like centralization and total command in the hands of party leaders, will be kept in mind while finalizing the local model, Minto says.
The Soviet experiment also gives the lesson that the framework set during the revolution period cannot be operated after consolidation of the revolution. He lists 21 reasons behind the failure of the leftist movement in the country in the past.
Some of them are: a small working class due to poor industrial development and weak trade unions, the feudal structure of society, a general bias in society against the Left and dearth of steady and unflinching leadership that could fight for democracy and social change.
The leftist movement is also facing an identity crisis as due to a joint struggle against martial laws it is seen standing side by side with rightist parties like the Muslim League and the Jamaat-i-Islami.
The increasing influence of religion due to Jihad and US interference, dissolution of the USSR as a role model, labelling progressives as traitors for their stress on peaceful ties with India, and simultaneous confrontation with forces like religious, establishment, feudal, imperialists and capitalists are the other causes.
The division of left-wing into smaller groups, lack of resources, and attempts of the civil society (resourceful NGOs) to fill in the political vacuum through apolitical means, and political orientation of Maulvis in the form of MMA also add to the challenges.
