CM seeks opposition's coop for industrialisation

Kolkata, Nov 29: Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacherjee today reiterated his appeal for cooperation from the opposition for realising his dream for West Bengal's rapid industrialisation.

Replying to an opposition sponsored motion in the Assembly today on the growing police atrocities in the name of acquisition of land, he urged the opposition Congress and Trinamool Congress to desist from resorting to any violent movement to prevent the government from acquiring farm land at Singur for the proposed Tata Motors small car unit.

Ridiculing the opposition's role as child's play in the name of organising democratic movement, the chief minister, however, clarified that his government was determined to go ahead with the proposal to acquire necessary land for the Tata's project.

''If the opposition realises it's responsibilities towards industrialisation, it is a healthy sign but if they don't the state administration is well prepared to implement its programme,'' Mr Bhattacharjee said.

Referring to last month's police attack on Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee and some of her party supporters at Singur, he said the incident was unfortunate and should not have happened.

''But because of the situation police had no other option but take to stern action,'' he explained.

About the oppostion's allegation regarding unabated police atrocities on their workers and supporters in the name of restoration of law and order, he denied that there was any political vendetta or attempt to gag the opposition. ''Since the ruling Left Front came to power about 30 years ago all political detainess had been freed,'' he said.

He also reminded the opposition that they should be more responsible while organising street corner meetings or marching towards the Writer's Buildings without police permission.

Later, Trinamool leader Partho Chatterjee charged Mr Bhattacherjee with levelling false charges against the opposition and cited 'several instances' of police atrocities on party workers.

He was also critical of Mr Bhattacherjee's 'arrogant behaviour' both in and outside the house while dealing with the opposition.

He, however, clarified that his party was not against the state's ongoing industrialisation programme but was against acquisition of farmland in the name of progress.

Later when the motion was put to vote it was rejected by 118 to 25 votes.

UNI