Why is Syndicate Raj Still Present in West Bengal?

The persistence of Syndicate Raj in West Bengal is a testament to the intricate interplay between political power, criminal activity, and economic exploitation. A Rajya Sabha MP and local leader of the Trinamul Congress recently admitted that Syndicate Raj has elevated TMC goons to positions of authority, legitimizing their extortion. The precondition is that 70 to 75 percent of the extorted funds must be deposited into the TMC treasury, while goons retain control of the remaining 25 to 30 percent. This has led to a culture of fear and corruption that spans various sectors, including the construction industry, where businesses must now confront an opaque and coercive system to survive.

Political Parties and Their Role

The rise of Syndicate Raj is deeply rooted in political maneuvering and monetary gain. Political parties, including the Congress and TMC, have allowed Syndicate Raj to flourish as a means of furthering their own interests. The CPM laid the groundwork for it, but the TMC has capitalized on this system, turning extortion into a finely tuned instrument of control and funding. This cycle of exploitation is perpetuated by the mindset of the people, who often see no alternative but to comply with these demands, leading to a cycle of fear and economic paralysis.

What is Syndicate Raj?

Syndicate Raj refers to the extortion racket that has taken over West Bengal’s real estate and construction industry. Kiosks, cooperatives, and local strongmen have formed alliances to control every aspect of construction projects. Polymonopoly is established, where builders are compelled to buy materials and hire workers exclusively from these syndicates. The quality of materials is dubious, selling at premium prices, and the buildings often turn out to be fragile and potentially dangerous.

When and How Did Syndicate Raj Start?

Syndicate Raj began in 1995, with the construction of a new planned town, Rajatha, under the then CPM-led government. In an attempt to help displaced families, the government facilitated the formation of cooperatives to supply building materials to construction agencies. The success of these cooperatives led to the proliferation of similar organizations across West Bengal. These cooperatives soon evolved into a monopoly, forming the backbone of Syndicate Raj.

New Town: The Birthplace of Syndicate Raj

New Town, constructed during the CPM-led period, served as the birthplace of Syndicate Raj in West Bengal. The rapid growth of the real estate sector sparked a surge in demand for building materials, which local strongmenustralia version of Bihar's baahubali) took advantage of. Often, these individuals secured political tickets from ruling parties, giving them the veneer of legitimacy. However, behind this fa?ade is a reign of terror. Business is contingent on compliance, and non-compliance often results in higher costs or violence. Political parties are sucked into this system, directly funding and benefiting from Syndicate Raj's activities.

The Impact of Syndicate Raj

The consequences of Syndicate Raj are dire. Construction projects are plagued by substandard materials and the risk of structural failures. Roads, buildings, and public infrastructure are being built with low-quality materials, compromising public safety and the potential longevity of these projects. The overall effect is a collapse of trust in both the political and economic systems, fostering a cynical and apathetic populace.

As policymakers and citizens alike grapple with the repercussions of Syndicate Raj, the challenge remains to mitigate its influence and promote more transparent and fair business practices in West Bengal. Understanding and addressing the root causes of this phenomenon is crucial for restoring public trust and enabling sustainable development.