To understand today's West Bengal and its crises and challenges, one needs to know the nitty-gritty of West Bengal's fascinating political history. This docu-series attempts to provide a primer of that history through the reigns of eight Chief Ministers who have ruled the state.
Episode 1
The partition in 1947 triggered a lasting impact on the newly created state of West Bengal. The state then saw two new Chief Ministers in very quick succession!
Episode 2
With Dr B.C.Roy at the helm, a slew of development projects and a teething refugee crisis went on simultaneously. After his passing, food shortage became a major issue that led to mass outrage. The United Front Government was born of this crisis.
Episode 3
With the Naxal movement gaining momentum, the power centre of West Bengal kept shifting. At the same time, Indira Gandhi emerged as India's foremost leader and deputed Siddhartha Shankar Roy to solve the crisis in West Bengal.
Episode 4
Human rights violations and state-sponsored violence marked Siddhartha Shankar Ray's regime. Post the Emergency in 1975, the state saw a new Chief Minister and CPI(M) evolving as a formidable force in the state.
Episode 5
Buddhadeb Bhattacharya's vision of rapid industrialization backfired, and Trinamool Congress led by Mamata Banerjee came to power. The state witnessed the rise of BJP as a major political force but they were eventually outnumbered politically.
