Date:25/08/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/08/25/stories/2008082559971200.htm

National

More talks with Mamata being considered

Marcus Dam

We want a solution to the Singur problem: Biman Bose

KOLKATA: The West Bengal government is considering more discussions with the Trinamool Congress leadership on the rehabilitation of those from whom, according to the party, land had been acquired for the Tata Motors project at Singur without their consent.

The number of peasants who were unwilling to part with their plots would first have to be determined; papers relating to the matter had been sought from the Trinamool leadership at an earlier meeting between its representative and the State government, Biman Bose, chairman of the Left Front committee, said here on Sunday.

“We want a solution [to the problem] through discussions. The outstanding issues can be discussed,” Mr. Bose, who is also secretary of the State CPI(M), said.

Questions raised by the government and the Trinamool Congress could be answered by the respective sides across the table, he added. On the indefinite agitation launched at Singur earlier in the day by the Trinamool Congress and its allies, he said: “there is no objection to the holding of a democratic agitation … all have the right to do so.”