On Birati, the CPI(M) and Tradition in Bengal Brinda Karat AT a time when the formation of broad political alliances is an issue of debate in the women's movement, critiques of differing ideologies from a gender point of view have an added relevance As the biggest Left force, the CPI(M) has often been the focus of debate, as also the subject of harsh criticism. There is ample room for a discussion on the weaknesses of gender insights in the prevailing ideology and practice of the Ijeft, particularly the CPI(M). Such a discussion should strengthen the process of self- criticism and correction at different levels of the party and the Left in general. As is clear from its own documents, the CPI(M) is far from claiming for itself the mantle of infallibility. However, it cannot be denied that on all major issues facing the women's movement the CPI(M) and the Left parties have taken an unambiguous pro-woman stand. In the last decade or so starting from the Mathura rape case and the changes in rape law, to the debate on dowry and domestic violence, the Muslim Women's Bill, the Sati murder, the offensive of religious fanaticism on women's rights, the question of economic independence of women, the role of the state vis-a-vis women's rights, as in Tripura, and on many other issues the CPI(M) has reflected the concerns of women.
