WB govt, Opp should hold talks on violence: Amartya

The West Bengal government and the Opposition should sit for talks over political killings and Naxalite violence in the state to restore peace, Nobel Laureate economist Amartya Sen has said.

"Both (the state government and the Opposition) should be responsive to the situation. The Opposition too should behave responsibly. It is time peace is restored," Sen told a local television channel.

Blaming both the ruling party and the Opposition for the worsening situation in the state, he said, "When the Left was strong, there was little evidence that it consulted others. I have written about it."

"The ruling party has a Stalinist heritage, which I think is not good. Now that it has become a minority in many places it is now eager for talks," Sen told Bengali news channel '24 Ghanta' in an apparent reference to the Left's successive defeat in elections in the state.

Without naming Trinamool Congress, he said, "It has apparently gained strength and is in a combative mood and not keen on talks."

Sen condemned the killings, particularly of a school teacher in Paschim Medinipur district by Maoists and asked, "will such things bring any change? The situation will worsen if killings and revenge do not stop."

"Talks are important in the given situation, no matter who wins elections. A change in political mindset is necessary, but it is not easily forthcoming," Sen said.

Sen said, "Questions may arise that the state government did little for the poor in these areas. But, where was the Opposition? All have now woken up to the situation, and no effort is being made to usher in political change."

Referring to Naxalites he said the situation is was now in the hands of "some social bandits", but did not discount the value of revolutionary politics "which may have an ideology". He said, "What is important is to give a serious thought to social disunity instead of using it for political gain." On industrialisation, Sen said it should not be dumped because of clashes and differences and should be on the political agenda of all.

"There is no rift between agriculture and industry and both should flourish together like in Australia, Africa and Canada," he said.