AITC demands CM's statement on Singur police lathi charge

Kolkata, Nov 24 (UNI) Opposition leader in the West Bengal Assembly Partho Chatterjee today demanded a statement from Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on the alleged police lathicharge on farmers at Singur in Hoogly district.

Raising the issue during the mention period, as allowed by speaker Hasim Abdul Halim, Mr Chatterjee of the All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) alleged that the police, in connivance with some ruling party members, had resorted to a lathicharge on farmers, including a few women, who were demonstrating peacefully yesterday. Three women sustained injuries.

Describing the incident as 'highly condemnable', Mr Chatterjee demanded an immediate statement from the chief minister, who was, however, not present in the House at that time.

Also raising the issue of setting up of a nuclear power plant in East Midnapore district, as advised by the nuclear commission, Mr Chatterjee clarified that the party was not against the setting up of a nuclear power plant in the state, but was against the displacement of people from the area in the name of development.

He also criticised the chief minister's role in the House yesterday and said it was unfortunate that he continued to behave in the 'most arrogant' manner while dealing with the opposition.

'' This will only lead to a sour relationship between the ruling parties and the opposition,'' Mr Chatterjee said and suggested continuous dialogue between them to resolve all important issues.

Incidentally, Mr Chatterjee had sought the Speaker's permission in the House in the wake of growing differences between the ruling Left Front and the opposition AITC on the issue of setting up of the Tata Motor's proposed small car unit at Singur.

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