Date:25/12/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/12/25/stories/2006122504711000.htm

National

No talks before land is returned to farmers, says Mamata

Special Correspondent

— Photo: PTI

Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi calls on Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata on Sunday.

KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee has refused to end her hunger strike, which entered the 21st day on Sunday.

"Requests to withdraw [the hunger-strike] are nothing but lollipops. ... I refuse to eat lollipops and am fighting for a cause even though I might collapse any moment," she said.

Earlier, Information and Broadcasting Minister Priyaranjan Dasmunsi delivered to her a letter from Prime Minister Manmohan Singh requesting her to give up the fast.

The letter said Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had given an assurance that he was ready for discussions on the land acquisition at Singur.

Ms. Banerjee said she would only consider "such requests" if the State Government "admits on principle" her allegation that land had been forcibly acquired from farmers for the car manufacturing plant. The Government must return all such land and lift the prohibitory orders in force in Singur. "Talks can be held only after and not before this is done," Ms. Banerjee said, regretting that the State Government had not even shown signs of "even considering it [her demands]."

Angry Trinamool workers raised slogans against Mr. Dasmunsi when he came to meet Ms. Banerjee.

Earlier, Dr. Singh was given an update of the situation arising out of Ms. Banerjee's fast by State Congress leaders. Mr. Bhattacharjee also briefed him on the developments.