Date:13/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/13/stories/2007111352180801.htm

Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Nandigram challenge

This refers to the editorial “The challenge of Nandigram” (Nov.12). There was no justification for the Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee to continue its agitation in Nandigram stalling law and order and preventing effective governance even after the West Bengal government announced that the proposed chemical hub would not be established. What is distressing is that the Maoists have exploited the situation which has now gone out of the opposition’s control. The CPI(M)-led government should immediately introduce confidence-building measures to calm the people and the opposition.

V.P. Ramesan,

Tripunithura

* * *

Large sections of the media, both print and visual, have obfuscated the real issues. An impression has been created that the West Bengal government is going ahead with its plan of establishing a chemical hub unmindful of the resistance of the people and this is the cause for violence. But the real issue pertains to the creation of a congenial atmosphere for the return of the 3500 villagers to their homes and hearths. It is unfortunate that the rights activists who have rushed to the State to condemn the situation in Nandigram have no words of sympathy for the refugees who have been kept out of their homes for 10 months.

Ki. Ilakkuvan,

Chennai

* * *

It is most unfortunate that Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi has yet again overstepped his constitutional boundaries. A Governor can guide a State government and can send a report to the Central Government, if required, but under no circumstances can he air his views in public. Mr. Gandhi issued two open press statements — one after the March 14 police firing at Nandigram and now when the evicted people of Nandigram have started returning to their homes. On both occasions, his statements were aimed at destabilising an elected State government of which he is the constitutional head. The people have a right to know why his conscience did not trouble him when supporters of the Left Front were murdered by the so-called BUPC members. They have every right to ask why he did not utter a single word in public when the evicted people of Nandigram could not celebrate Durga Puja or Id because they were living in appalling conditions.

Rana Mitra,

Kolkata

* * *

It is unfortunate that Mr. Gandhi, instead of discussing the matter with his Chief Minister, chose to play to the gallery. Equally unfortunate is that Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee, instead of choosing peaceful and constitutional means of protesting, aligned with a motley crowd of fanatics and extremists. The State government’s grievance over the Governor’s statement is understandable. But it should first take steps to establish law and order in the disturbed area. Other things can wait.

Baikadi Suryanarayana Rao,

Bangalore

* * *

It is nobody’s case that the Governor should remain silent when a situation is leading to violence on account of the wrong handling by an elected government. But there is a way of expressing his concern. Mr. Gandhi should have reminded the government of its legitimate duty to contain the violence using persuasive methods instead of force. The opposition parties too have a right to highlight what they think is injustice to the common people. But they should not fish in troubled waters further worsening the situation.

A. Sudhakar Rao,

Nalgonda

* * *

The repeated instances of Governors exceeding their limits of constitutional functioning reinforce the greater need to redefine the role of Governor. The ‘do’s and ‘don’ts’ should be specified in the Constitution so that such unsavoury scenes as witnessed in West Bengal can be avoided.

A.G. Rajmohan,

Anantapur

* * *

It is ironical that a problem which started as a protest against land acquisition has now become the obstruction of people who were uprooted from their homes from returning just because their sympathies belong to the ruling party. The Governor, instead of criticising the government publicly, should have appropriately advised it to rehabilitate the uprooted people and restore its authority in Nandigram much earlier, when its approach was leading to a collusion of the opposition parties with Maoists.

Kasim Sait,

Chennai

* * *

A reign of terror has been unleashed in Nandigram of which the people are the ultimate sufferers. The Governor assessed the situation objectively and stated that no government can allow a war-like zone to exist without immediate and effective intervention. Even the Left Front partners are not in agreement with the CPI (M) on the Nandigram issue. As stated in the editorial, the top priority of the Left Front government should be to re-establish peace, security and developmental work in Nandigram at the earliest besides restraining its cadre from any reprisal campaign.

T.V. Ramamurthy,

Chennai

* * *

The issue gained attention only after the Governor made his views known publicly. Had he remained silent, he would have come in for widespread criticism. At a time when transparency in administration is being advocated, the Governor need not strictly exercise his right to advise and warn confidentially. Both the Governor and the government are accountable to the people who have the right to information on the steps being taken to overcome a grave situation.

R. Murali Kumar,

Srirangam

* * *

That the West Bengal government declared in February itself that a chemical hub will not be established in Nandigram is commendable. But why did it allow lawlessness to flourish in the first place? How and why did it allow the people to take the law into their own hands?

S. Sudhir Kumar,

Hyderabad