Mamata blames CPI-M, media for Haldia deadlock

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday accused the Opposition CPI(M) and a section of media of running a misleading campaign on the deadlock at the Haldia dock.

"We have given full police protection. The CPI(M) is running a misleading campaign along with one or two media houses for their self interest," Banerjee told reporters here. Three officials of the cargo handling company Haldia Bulk Terminals (HBT) were allegedly abducted two days ago by outsiders.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) leader Suryakanta Mishra demanded a probe to ascertain how the situation had worsened in the profit-making port. "We want to know whose interest is being safeguarded in the Haldia docks or if any deal has been reached,"

Mishra, who is Leader of the Opposition in the state assembly, said, claiming that the port's development was due to steps taken by previous Left Front government.

Questioning as to why the chief minister was sticking to her stand that everything was fine at Haldia, he said, "Haldia docks are the lifeline of the region and the state government is responsible for the present state of affairs there." WBPCC President Pradip Bhattacharya demanded restoration of normalcy in Haldia and accused the ruling party of siding with "a select business group".

"The state government should rise above party politics and look after Haldia port's interests," he said.