Basu calls media reports 'a lie'

Kolkata, Apr 28 (UNI) Veteran CPI(M) Leader Jyoti Basu today accused the media of indulging in a lie that elections were being held in West Bengal for the first time in a peaceful manner.

''I saw media reports this morning, which sought to create an impression that for the first time peaceful and free and fair polling is being held in West Bengal. It is a lie,'' an iried Mr Basu said.

''The state has always had a similar experience in election,'' he told reporters after attending the CPI(M) State Secretariat Meeting here.

The nonagenarian leader who headed the Left front government for 23 years said the election commission had certified every previous election as good.

"Even in 2001, Ms Mamata Banerjee was so sure about a free and fair election and her victory that she asked reporters to meet her next at the Writers' Buildings," Mr Basu said.

''I dont know why a campaign is being spread this time that for the first time Bengal polls are peaceful,'' he said.

In reply to a question, Mr Basu said he expected that the Left Front would perform better in this election.

Mr Basu became Chief Minister in 1977 and saw four assembly elections being held under his leadership.

He stepped down few months before the 2001 election, making room for Mr Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee.

His comments came following a spate of praises and comments in newspapers and televisions for a absolutely peaceful and free elections in the state, especially after the third phase polling in Kolkata and its two adjoining districts.

With the opposition crying foul for a long time, elections were held under the direct control of the Election Commission implementing its Bihar experience to ensure free and fair polling.

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