Accusations of Collaboration
Sisir Roy’s Allegations Against Dubey
At the heart of the split were serious accusations levelled by Sisir Roy, a prominent leader within the BPI. Roy accused Dubey of aligning with U.S. imperialist interests, a charge that Dubey vehemently denied. The ideological differences between the two leaders had been simmering for some time, with Roy advocating for a more cautious approach in trade union politics, while Dubey pushed for aggressive labour activism. Roy’s accusations were rooted in the fear that Dubey’s actions, particularly his increasing ties with certain labour groups, were undermining the party’s core socialist and anti-imperialist principles. This ideological rift could no longer be contained, leading to Dubey’s eventual departure from the party.
Impact on BPI and UTUC
Fracturing of the Bolshevik Party and Trade Union Movements
The split had immediate and far-reaching consequences for both the BPI and the labour organisations it controlled, most notably the United Trade Union Congress (UTUC) and the Dock Mazdoor Union. The BPI, which had been a strong force in West Bengal’s trade union politics, saw its influence significantly weakened as the rift between Dubey and Roy led to the formation of rival factions. The UTUC, a prominent labor federation aligned with the BPI, also felt the effects of this divide, as it struggled to maintain cohesion among its members. Dubey’s departure fractured the Dock Mazdoor Union, with a significant portion of the union’s leadership and workers choosing to follow him rather than remain with the BPI-aligned faction. This split not only weakened the party’s hold over the labour movement but also created disarray within the unions, impacting their ability to negotiate and advocate for workers’ rights effectively.
Formation of Rival Factions
Dubey’s Faction and Its Activities
In the aftermath of the split, Biswanath Dubey wasted no time in establishing his own faction. This new group, composed of loyal followers from the Dock Mazdoor Union and other trade unions, quickly organised itself as a force separate from the BPI. Dubey’s faction maintained its focus on labour activism, continuing to advocate for the rights of workers in various industries. Despite the initial setback caused by the split, Dubey’s group gained momentum, particularly among dock workers who felt marginalised by the BPI’s new direction under Roy. Dubey’s faction engaged in a series of strikes, protests, and negotiations that sought to protect workers from exploitation and secure better working conditions. Although the split had fragmented the labour movement in West Bengal, Dubey’s persistence ensured that his faction remained a key player in trade union politics.
His leadership of this newly formed group demonstrated his resilience and commitment to workers' rights, even as the broader labor movement struggled with internal divisions. Dubey’s faction continued to operate independently, making significant contributions to labour activism in West Bengal and beyond, despite the challenges posed by the BPI split.
