I was right in defending CPI(M) retaliation: Buddhadeb

Kolkata,Nov 14(UNI) Accusing the Trinamool Congress-led Bhumi Uchched Protirodh Committee (BUPC) for precipitating the Nandigram situation, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee today asserted that he was right in defending CPI(M) retaliation.

"I stick to that position. I am not above the party, nor can I deny my political identity. Since I have taken oath as Chief Minister, I will definitely function as a Chief Minister," he told reporters.

He said while attempts were being made to project that the violence was started by the CPI(M), it was the BUPC which kept people terrorised for eleven months." They instigated the incident and they were were paid back in their own coin in the last two-three days," he said.

Yesterday the Chief Minister's comments defending the armed takeover of Nandigram raised a storm. He had described the BUPC men as 'they' and CPI(M) supporters as 'we'.

Stating that peace was now returning in the strife-torn Nandigram, Mr.Bhattacharjee said the Government had sanctioned Rs one crore for relief to about 700 affected families.

About 900 houses in the area had been burnt down in the violence, he said.

While some people hd already returned, there are about 500 of them who were yet to come back.The administration had been directed to ensure that everybody returned, he said.

" The Sun is rising. But to feel the warmth it will take some time," the Chief Minister said.

Mr Bhattacharjee said he had directed the district administration that no outsider remained in Nandigram and no rallies or processions were organised by any party.

UNI