Trouble for the Left Front government in West Bengal over the events in Nandigram came to a head on Saturday, with Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi going public with his belief that Nandigram was a "war zone" and Trinamool leader Mamata Banerjee resigning from the Lok Sabha and giving a call to "paralyse" the state on Monday. The Congress has decided to throw its weight behind her and will support the strike. | |
| West Bengal PWD minister and RSP leader Kshiti Goswami today decided not to continue in the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee cabinet and sought his party's permission to resign over continuing violence in Nandigram. "I want to resign because I cannot accept what is happening in Nandigram. We have been deceived by the CPI(M). One thing is being said, another thing is being done," Goswami told reporters. The Center too added its bit to the imbroglio by rushing a strong force of at least 1,000 CRPF personnel to Nandigram, something it had avoided doing till now. |
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| The governor's comments provoked a serious reaction from the CPI(M) and the CPI, who said the statement was 'uncalled for.' The CPI(M) Politburo said in a statement: "The content of the statement makes it clear that this is not the role expected from the office of Governor under the Constitution." |
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| According to informed sources, CPI(M) General Secretary Prakash Karat and CPI leader A B Bardhan took up the governor's comment with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh whom they met over lunch today. "The two leaders said that while the Governor has the right to express an opinion, he must not do so publicly," said a source. |
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| The Governor in his statement had criticised the state administration for not able to stop the violence which has already claimed five lives. |
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| Governor Gandhi came out with a strong public statement after the first police-mob firing at Nandigram which took its toll on 16 civilian lives. |
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| The CPI(M) statement also said, "The statement issued by the Governor of West Bengal regarding the latest developments in Nandigram is surprising. |
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