Containing conflict and reaping votes: management of rural labour relations in West Bengal

Management of Rural Labour Relations in West Bengal Ben Rogaly This article examines the apparent paradox of rural labour relations in West Bengal. While the Krishak Sabha has discouraged the formation of a separate agricultural wage workers' organisation, these same workers continue to vote in large numbers for Left Front parties. Based on detailed field research in Bardhaman and Purulia districts, the paper identifies the free hand allowed to the party cadres in the management of class conflict at local level as part of a larger strategy to ensure continued electoral success.