Date:12/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/12/stories/2007111260791200.htm

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Polit Bureau to discuss Nandigram situation

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: The CPI(M) Polit Bureau began its two-day meeting in the Capital on Sunday to discuss the draft political resolution for the 19th party congress scheduled for March next year in Coimbatore.

With the violence in Nandigram hogging the headlines, the situation in the area and West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi’s press release calling for “effective action” is on the agenda.

Twice in the past week, the Polit Bureau had issued statements on Nandigram.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Polit Bureau had attributed the recurrence of violence in the area to the use of Maoists from outside by “the alliance of political forces” which have occupied the area.

And, on Saturday, the Polit Bureau, while stating that the Governor was well within his constitutional role to communicate his views to the State and Central governments, had described as “uncalled for” his decision to go public with his views.

Because of his preoccupation with Nandigram, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee did not attend the deliberations on the first day.

Besides, the Polit Bureau is scheduled to discuss the coming Assembly polls in Gujarat and Himachal Pradesh. Also on the cards are discussions on the India-U.S. nuclear deal. As for the draft political resolution for the party congress, it is likely to be ‘finalised’ for further dissemination to the branches.

These branches of the CPI (M) across the country will discuss it at their local levels and send it back to the party headquarters with suggestions for inclusion in the final resolution that will be adopted at the party congress.

PTI reports:

CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury told reporters that there were no cracks in the Left Front in West Bengal on the Nandigram issue.

“Where are the cracks you are talking about? There is no divide (in the ruling Front),” he said.

Left Front Chairman Biman Bose said: “I gave a detailed presentation on the matter to the Polit Bureau recalling the incidents since January this year when several hundred families were forced to leave their homes in Nandigram and take refuge in camps.”