CM appeals to Mamata to give up fast

Chennai, Dec 28 (UNI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M Karunanidhi today appealed to Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee to give up her fast and avoid a direct confrontation with the West Bengal government.

Replying to a question, the DMK leader said though Ms Banerjee was right in her agitation against taking away prime agriculture land for industrial purposes, it should be kept in mind that 'personalising' such issues would further complicate the situation.

Referring to an editorial on the Singur controversy in 'Theekathir', the official organ of CPI(M) here, Mr Karunanidhi said he agreed with its contention that once a problem arises 'a you and me direct type of confrontaion will not help to solve the issue.' On the fast by Ms Banerjee, the Chief Minister took recourse to the editorial to drive home his point that both agriculture and industrial growth were necessary for the country's development.

If one insisted only on agricultural growth, it would be injustice to the people of the state, especially to youth, who were waiting for employment, he said, referring to the editorial.

Mr Karunanidhi said he agreed that agriculture would be affected if industries were set up in farm land, and that was why the state government allocated non-farm land for industries and gave up its proposal to build a satellite town after farmers expressed fears.

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