Date:05/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/05/stories/2007120558840100.htm

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“It was a political and administrative failure”

Vinay Kumar

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee regrets remarks on Nandigram

Photo: Special Arrangement

Speaks out: West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee addresses a press conference at Banga Bhavan in New Delhi on Tuesday. —

NEW DELHI: West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Tuesday regretted his remarks on Nandigram that “the Opposition was paid back in their own coin.”

At a press conference here, he said: “I should not have said that. I now want peace; peace for all and peace for all sections.”

Mr. Bhattacharjee admitted that the Nandigram episode was an “administrative and political” failure but felt that it would not have any impact on investments in the State.

He said:

“None can go back on industrialisation as it has captured the minds of young people of the State.

“We have to ensure that Nandigram does not repeat itself. We have learnt lessons from Nandigram that we will have to take people into confidence.”

The Chief Minister said he discussed Nandigram with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. He told Dr. Singh that the situation was gradually improving and normalising. Those evicted were returning home and relief was being given to those whose houses were burnt down.

Taslima issue

On Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen, he said he discussed the issue with External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee. It was up to the Centre to take a decision, he added.

He refrained from making any comments when asked if Ms. Nasreen’s visa should be extended.