“Socialism is still a far cry. We have to remember that we are working within the capitalist system and private capital has to be used for industrialisation. Since 1977, we have taken up the responsibility of workers. But, at the same time, we are also telling them to be responsible,” Basu told mediapersons at the CPM party headquarters on Alimuddin Street after attending the state secretariat meeting.

Some key Left Front partners such as the Forward Bloc and RSP have been criticising the CPM for deviating from the Marxists’ ideology and widening the scope for growth of capitalism by accepting private capital for the state’s industrial pursuits.

Basu said, “In the existing situation, we have no option but to accept private capital. But our government will continue its social welfare programmes to uplift the poorer sections of society.”