Name: Debasish Biswas

Occupation: University teacher

Age: 56

Education: PhD in economics, LLB

Annual income: Rs 10 lakh

Size of family: Wife and 20-year-old son

Assembly seat: Raiganj, North Dinajpur

Is there any one issue that is deciding how you will vote?

Yes, there is the all-important issue of reviving the lost glory of Bengal through proper governance. The rule of law has to be reinstated.

Will you vote for the same party you voted for in 2016? If so, why?

Of course I will. After the mindless, well-orchestrated torching of railway coaches and ticket counters in December 2019 in different parts of Bengal in the name of anti-CAA protests, I have become apprehensive about the future of the state.

The brazen declaration of leaders of the ruling dispensation that illegal collections must be shared with the party has only reinforced the conviction of people like us to stick to our earlier choice.

Three things Mamata Banerjee has done that benefited you?

One, Setting up new universities.

Two, setting up infrastructure for dialysis in Raiganj.

Three, introduction of e-governance, though partially.

Three things Mamata has done that hurt you?

One, unleashing a reign of terror at educational institutions. Raiganj University has been the worst affected.

Two, absolute institutionalisation of corruption in all spheres of administration.

Three, unabashed appeasement of a section of religious minority leaders.

Do you believe Mamata works for the poor or do you see her as part of the elite?

She is serving the neo-elites who have amassed wealth unscrupulously. People like (deposit mobilisation company owners) Sudipta Sen, Goutam Kundu and Binoy Mishra had all been operating with the blessings of those close to her.

What do you think of the charge that she is only a Pishi?

Her every step seems fishy. “Pishi-culture” is just a part of it.

Three things that Narendra Modi has done at the Centre that benefited you?

One, the introduction of GST in 2017 has made our country more investment friendly.

Two, the biggest socio-political movement — the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Three, fighting Covid-19 boldly and making vaccines available for all of us.

Three things that Modi has done at the Centre that hurt you?

One, the introduction of Rs 2,000 currency notes after demonetisation.

Two, lack of initiatives to curb petrol prices.

Three, non-availability of free LPG for all poor families.

Is Modi working for his cronies?

Most of his programmes are for the common people. The Ujjwala Yojana, Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao Yojana, Atal Pension Yojana and the PM Mudra Yojana to name a few, are for the poorer sections of the society....

Has your life got better since 2016 or worse?

It is changing for the better no doubt. The goons who ruled the roost on the campuses of educational institutions are less aggressive these days. The new education policy (of the Centre) is going to be a ray of hope for upcoming generations. Even after the Covid-19 tsunami, our economy has bounced back. Last but not the least, the chief minister has started chanting Hindu mantras in public. I am feeling good.

What do you think about the Left’s chances and about its alliance?

There have been many changes in the Left. It shows their political bankruptcy when they have to clutch at the straw of mild radical Muslim fanaticism. They are playing second fiddle to the ruling party (in Bengal).

Do Hindus and Muslims live in harmony in your neighbourhood?

Definitely, a big yes. It is possible for the wonderful residents of Raiganj. I have seen common people fighting natural calamities like floods with profound conviction and togetherness.