'Nandigram mayhem creates crisis in Left Front'

Kolkata, Mar 15: Blaming the CPI(M) for yesterday's police firing in Nandigram, CPI General Secretary A B Bardhan today said the incident created a crisis in the ruling Left Front.

''The incident is the result of the CPI(M)'s own decision...it should be kept in mind that the West Bengal Government is not being run by only one party. This has created a crisis within the Front,'' he told reporters.

Mr Bardhan said the CPI was discussing with other Front constituents the Nandigram issue. It would take a final stand on the incident after today's Left Front meeting.

Criticising the way police were pressed into Nandigram, Mr Bardhan said what happened as the outcome was unparallel in the 30 years of Left rule in West Bengal. "We are shocked," he said.

The CPI General Secretary observed that though it was necessary to establish rule of law, the way police were sent to Nandigram was not justified. ''This stoked up the people's ire,'' he said.

He also welcomed Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi's statement asking whether the loss of so many lives in police firing could have been avoided.

While observing that chemical hubs were being closed down for pollution of environment in countries like France, Italy and Germany, Mr Bardhan also criticised the state government for its 'failure' to enlighten the Nandigram project.

In reply to a question on the alleged resistance by CPI(M) supporters to the entry of Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in Nandigram, Mr Bardhan said it was "unexpected and a matter of concern".

UNI