Basu expresses concern over Left unity

Kolkata, Dec 29: Veteran marxist and former West Bengal Chief Minister Jyoti Basu today expressed his displeasure over the role of Forward Bloc and RSP with regard to Nandigram issue and maintained that it will affect the Left unity.

After the state Secretariat meeting, Mr Basu told mediapersons that, ''I don't approve the activities of Forward Bloc and RSP regarding Nandigram which will not only come in the way of Left unity but also strengthen the Opposition's hand.'' '' We want Left unity should be intact. But I don't understand how long it will last because of the stance taken by our two allies- Forward Bloc and RSP over Nandigram,'' Mr Basu said.

''Front partners may have differences but these should be sorted out within it. Left Front Chairman Biman Bose is trying to have discussions with them and if necessary, we will also talk to them,'' he said.

The CPI(M) patriarch observed that Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had a ''successful'' meeting in Nandigram recently where developmental works started taking place after a long time.

''The panchayat is having a huge fund in Nandigram which was not utilised because of the trouble created by the Opposition there for 11 months but now development is on as peace was restored,'' he said.

Referring to the deployment of CRPF in Nandigram, Mr Basu said ,though his party had some reservation initially, ''We want CRPF should remain posted in the area.'' UNI