Govt, Oppn fail to pin CPM on Nandigram incidents

NEW DELHI: The CPM has reasons to be satisfied with the outcome of the debate on Nandigram violence. While NDA speakers failed to corner the CPM in the Lok Sabha, the Union government willingly bought the party’s “outsider theory” and endorsed the West Bengal government’s stand that “liberated zones” cannot be allowed.

Quite contrary to expectations that the CPM could be mauled by both sides of the political aisle, the Leftists got away with minor bruises during the debate. The government side, which took care that its attack on the West Bengal government cause no grave injury, concurred with the Left view that it should not be seen through a narrow partisan prism.

Replying to the debate, home minister Shivraj Patil attempted to dispel the impression that the Centre was a mute spectator when he informed the House that “directions” have been sent to the state government to bring the situation under control. “Nobody should be away from their homes; goons on motorbikes should be stopped; full compensation should be given,” Mr Patil said. Home ministry officials clarified that it was not a “directive”, but an advisory, quashing the hopes of “tough talk” against the Leftists by the Centre. Incidentally, the Centre can act against a state government only if it fails to act against its directives sent under Article 256 or Article 355.

Initiating the debate, leader of the Opposition, LK Advani, demanded an all-party delegation from the Parliament be sent to Nandigram and asked the Centre to direct the West Bengal Government under Article 355 of the constitution - that provides for Central government’s intervention in any specific administrative matter in a state through direction to the governor. “If the state didn’t abide with the rule, the Centre should impose president’s rule,” he said. Mr Patil, in his reply, did not meet the demand of the all-party meeting on Nandigram.

The Congress fielded I&B minister PR Dasmunsi as its first speaker. The minister spent a lot of time attacking Mr Advani and the previous NDA regime for the SEZ policy along with taking swipes at CPM. Mr Dasmunsi, who has been leading the Congress’ attack on the Left outside Parliament, on Wednesday left “it to the people and the perturbed Left-minded intelligentsia” to give a befitting reply to the CPM.

Mohammad Salim (CPM) managed to put up a stout defence of his party and the state government. Mr Salim, who stuck to his party’s line that defeated political parties and Maoists are behind the violence, accused the Congress and Trinamool Congress of attempting to sabotage the peace process. Mr Salim insinuated that Mr Dasmunsi was behind the delay in the deployment of the CRPF in the state.

Of the other speakers, Samajwadi Party leader Ram Gopal asked for an investigation into the circumstances that led to the blocking of roads in Nandigram. Mr Yadav also backed the CPM’s Maoist claim and said that he suspected they were behind the issue spiralling. RJD leader Devendra Prasad Yadav found fault with the rules for setting up of Special Economic Zones. The leader also asked for a He also asked for a constitutional amendment to allow the Centre to have direct control in troubled areas to help restore peace.