AITC to hold one-hour road blockade to protest CPI(M) atrocities

Kolkata, May 8 (UNI) Latching on the Nandigram issue ahead of the Panchayat polls, the All India Trinamool Congress today called for a one-hour road blockade programme in the city in protest against ''CPI(M) atrocities and the mockery of the state election commission''.

To be organised under the banner of Trinamool Youth Congress, the blockades would be put up at different important intersections, including Howrah bridge from 1800 hrs.

''The decision has been taken to lodge a protest against the recent happenings in Nandigram, where the CPI(M) has unleashed a reign of terror before the Panchayat elections. Our protest will also be against the state Election Commission, which is making a mockery in the name of holding elections,'' Trinamool Congress General Secretary and Rajya Sabha member Mukul Roy said.

After a lull of a few months, the situation in Nandigram has started snowballing with supporters of the Trinamool Congress-led Bhoomi Uchched Protirodh Committee clashing almost everyday and throwing allegations against each other.

The Trinamool Congress alleged that CPI(M) supporters had resorted to intimidation and violence to cow down the opponent party supporters.

The CPI(M), however, denied the allegation and accused the Trinamool Congress of trying to destabilise peace in the area by whipping up tension.

Union Minister and Pradesh Congress President Priya Ranjan Dasmunsi has already urged the state Election Commission to postpone polling in Nandigram considering the prevailing unrest, while a forum of artistes, including filmmaker Aparna Sen, has also made a similar demand.

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