BJP will insist on debate on Nandigram: Swaraj

New Delhi, Mar 20 (UNI) The BJP today strongly criticised the Government for not agreeing to a ''structured debate'' on the Nandigram issue in Parliament which was rocked for the fourth consecutive day and maintained that it would insist on its demand in the Rajya Sabha tomorrow failing which it would stall proceedings in the House.

"We feel sorry that Parliament could not function smoothly for the fourth day today as the government is not ready to even have a structured debate on Nandigram issue," BJP spokesperson Sushma Swaraj said.

She said the BJP had given a notice for an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha L K Advani on Nandigram episode which was ''not merely a law and order problem but the state terror against people'' and a reflection on the SEZ policy for which the Centre can not absolve itself of the responsibility.

Ms Swaraj also made available the copy of Mr Advani's adjournment notice which reads: "The Government of India's failure to prevent the Nandigram operation in West Bengal in which State terror and brute force was let loose on farmers, and more particularly women, who were resisting the setting up of an SEZ in the place, resulting in the massacre of scores of innocent citizens.'' The Speaker had already rejected the notice.

Similarly in the Rajya Sabha, the party, through the leader of the Opposition Jaswant Singh and four others had given notice for a debate on Nandigram. ''It was not allowed today but the party would definitely try it again tomorrow,'' Ms Swaraj said, indicating that it would not allow the House to take business unless their demand was met.

UNI