CPI(M) to observe Nandigram day to counter opposition campaign

Kolkata, Jan 19(UNI) Expressing concern at the raging ''false propaganda'' and a ''fundamentalist'' twist to the issue of industrialisation in West Bengal, the CPI(M) today said it will observe January 27 as ''Nandigram day'' as part of a 45-day statewide campaign in support of its stand.

Alleging that a misinformation propaganda had been launched by the opposition over the Nandigram incidents, where seven people were killed in violence over reported land acquisition for a SEZ, the CPI(M) said in a statement that it would carry out a decentralised campaign in all districts to inform the people the 'truth' and explain the party's policy and stand on development of agriculture and industry.

The campaign, launched on January 15, would continue till February 28.

''An attempt is being made to malign the party and the Government by creating confusion and spreading rumours over the Nandigram incidents. More dangerous is that a campaign by fundamentalist forces is being launched based on false facts,'' the statement, issued by the party's state Committee said shortly after a Secretariat meeting.

The meeting was attended among others, by party Secretary Biman Basu, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, Industry Minister Nirupam Sen and veteran leader Jyoti Basu.

The party will observe the Nandigram day by carrying out its campaign alongside a drive for raising funds for the families affected in violence in the area.

The party would publish three booklets on the development of agriculture and industrialisation and circulate a leaflet in all parts of the state.

UNI