Cong to form alternative forum with AITC in Bengal

Kolkata, Apr 19 (UNI) West Bengal Congress has agreed to a joint agitation with the Trinamool Congress against the CPI(M)-led Left Front government for the March 14 Nandigram police firing.

'' UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi has given her total support to our Nandigram movement and we will discuss with the AITC to form an alternative secular, democratic and anti-CPI(M) platform which would be necessary for a mass movement against the ruling party in the interest of West Bengal, '' Congress Legislature Party leader Manas Bhuiya told newsmen here.

The Congress and the AITC would jointly protest against the LF government to maintain the party's instruction and policy, official sources said.

'' We condemn the statement of CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat against UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and invite her to see the photo exhibition on what happened in Nandigram on March 14 before commenting against Ms Gandhi, '' Mr Bhuiya said.

Mr Bhuiya said the PCC called April 21 rally was decided on December 23 in the working committee meeting but the date was not finalised then.

Later, the rally date was finalised on April 9 but was deferred due to the higher secondary examination and to avoid confusion among party members, he added.

He also ruled out Mamata Banerjee's allegation against the Centre for not taking any action against the March 14 incident, Mr Bhuiya said.

UNI