National

I revise my statement: Biman Bose

Kolkata/New Delhi: Facing criticism, Left Front Chairman Biman Bose on Thursday backtracked on his statement that Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasrin, now in exile, should leave Kolkata if her stay disturbed the peace.

The CPI(M) veteran said, “The State government does not have the authority to grant or cancel visa. Only the Centre can do this, let the Union government take an appropriate decision on the issue.”

“I should have mentioned this in clear language,” he said in a written statement issued in Kolkata, while referring to his comments made on Wednesday night. “I, on behalf of the State party [CPI-M], would like to make the people aware that I revise my statement of last night.”

His remarks on Wednesday came in the wake of violence by a Muslim outfit, which is demanding the expulsion of Ms. Nasrin.

CPI leader Gurudas Dasgupta said, “I strongly disagree with him [Bose].”

Mr. Dasgupta told reporters outside Parliament that every writer had freedom and the Left Front government in West Bengal should ensure that it was protected.

The BJP said Mr. Bose’s comments were “improper” if the government was genuinely committed to upholding the freedom of expression. The Congress steered clear of the issue, saying it was a matter for the External Affairs Ministry to decide.

Ms. Nasrin angered conservative Muslims by her writings. She fled her homeland in 1994 after radical Muslims demanded her execution. — PTI

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