New Delhi: Kolkata and the rest of West Bengal have been brought to a virtual standstill by an Opposition bandh called in protest against the violence in Nandigram.
According to reports the CPI-M and the Trinamool-backed Bhoomi Uchched Protirodh Committee are both holding rallies in Nandigram.
Gunfire, arson and looting allegedly by CPI-M activists was reported from recaptured Bhumi Ucched Pratirod Committee strongholds of Garchakraberia, Sonachura and Gokulnagar in Nandigram on Monday, as the bandh paralysed normal life in West Bengal.
“CPI-M cadres are firing, setting houses on fire and looting to scare away our supporters still remaining in the areas,” district YC leader and BUPC member Milan Pradhan told PTI.
A state bus was reportedly set afire at Moulali and another bus was stoned at Chowringhee by supporters of the bandh. A third bus was set on fire at Sagardanga near Durgapur in Burdwan district.
Meanwhile, CPI-M and bandh supporters clashed at Mathabhanga in Cooch Behar district centering a road blockade. Forty-five persons were arrested, IGP (law and order) Raj Kanojia said.
Few government and private buses and trams could be seen on deserted roads in Kolkata, while train services in the Eastern and South Eastern Railway were hit by blockades.
However, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and a few ministers attended office.
Political developments
West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi, who has indicted the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee government for the incident in Nandigram, on Monday met CPI-M patriarch Jyoti Basu to seek his initiative to restore peace.
"I am sure that his initiatives will bring back peace in Nandigram," the governor told reporters after a 40-minute meeting with the former chief minister at his Salt Lake residence.
"I have come to pay my respects to Basu and I have full confidence in him,” Gandhi said.
Asked if he would speak to Chief Minister, Gandhi replied, "The chief minister will talk to me."
About the CRPF personnel being prevented from entering Nandigram by CPI-M cadres, he said, "I am sure he (chief minister) will take adequate steps."
Before the Governor's visit, CPI-M state Secretary Biman Bose had a 30-minute meeting with Basu.
Bose, who returned to Kolkata in the midst of the CPI-M politburo meeting in Delhi, said that he had briefed Basu on the developments in Nandigram and submitted a report to him.
“To bring peace in Nandigram, outsiders are not required as they are provoking violence. The people of this state will not accept this bandh sponsored by the Opposition,” Bose said.
(With inputs from PTI)
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