Advani seeks discussion on Nandigram in Parliament

Kolkata, Nov 13: Leader of Opposition L K Advani today said that what has happened in Nandigram was shocking beyond words.

He also said that he has sought a discussion on the issue in the coming Winter Session of Parliament that starts on November 15.

"We believe while a discussion on the nuclear deal is important, but no less important is a discussion on Nandigram and the plight of the farmers there, " he told reporters at the N S C Bose International Airport here before leaving for Nandigram.

The Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) might be obsessed with international issue and the nuke deal, but as far the nation was concerned "we saw how the CPI (M) Government led by Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has nuked the farmers in Nandigram and nuked the government of India, " he added.

He also expressed surprise that no Central Minister and the State Chief Minister has visited trouble-torn area.

Advani and other senior party leaders have come here to take stock of the situation in the wake of the continuing violence over acquisition of land for an industrial zone in Nandigram.

Besides visiting village in East Midnapore district, the delegation will also visit hospitals to meet the injured people.

The delegation includes Sushma Swaraj and S. S. Ahluwalia (Bharatiya Janata Party), Sharad Yadav (Janta Dal-United), B K Tripathi (Biju Janata Dal), Anant Geethe (Shiv Sena), Sukhbir Singh Badal (Akali Dal) and Chandan Mitra and Sharad Joshi (both MPs).

Party President Rajnath Singh on Monday demanded the dismissal of the West Bengal Government. He also criticised the UPA Government at the Centre for not initiating any steps to restore peace in Nandigram.

"In West Bengal, there is a complete furore of constitutional machinery. The State Government has abdicated its responsibility to protect the constitution and the people of Nandigram. If dispute like land acquisition for industrial purposes are to be decided by the private armies of CPI(M), this will send a very dangerous signal not only in West Bengal but throughout the country, " Singh said.

The West Bengal Government had planned to set up a special export zone (SEZ) for chemical industries in Nandigram but had to abort the project as villagers refused to give their farmland for the project. (ANI)

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