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The CPM Politburo had rejected a similar proposal in 2007, citing party norms against accepting ‘State Awards’. But, at that time Bengal leaders had to surrender to party general secretary Prakash Karat’s diktat though they wanted Basu to accept the award.
The controversy surfaced once again following a decision of the party Politburo to allow state farewell for Basu on January 19. The Tricolour was placed on Basu’s body and the army carriage carried his body from West Bengal Legislative Assembly premises to Citizen’s Park, where a 21-gun salute was given to him.
Most of the CPM leaders of Bengal are of the opinion that if Basu has been given the country’s highest respect after his death, why had he been not allowed to receive the highest civilian award. “We can consider if the government offers the award to Basu posthumously,” Bose said.
Bose said Basu himself was of the opinion that such awards were of no real importance. “He was a real Bharat Ratna. He did not require such awards,” said Bose.
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The best deserving candidate for Bharat Ratna is Prakash Karat. Under his leadership, the CPM saw steady decline and UPA successfully got into the track for 2nd time. And Congress can work independently. Bengal might got a chance to come out of RED bureaucracy.