CPM captures Nandigram, Governor flays Action

It's an irony that democracy and people's rights are being openly murdered by CPI(M) activists at Nandigram with the state administration playing a second fiddle and the center remaining a mute spectator to avoid direct conflict with its Left allies.

According to latest reports, CPI(M) activists have taken control of at least 10 villages in Nandigram and are all set to capture the remaining areas soon. They have used their might to force the villagers to toe their line. People, who protested, have been badly beaten up. Media persons have been driven out of the area by force. Opposition leaders are forced to stay off the area. And, police remained mute spectators, even as the media professionals and other activists were heckled by the CPI(M) goons.

West Bengal governor Gopala Krishna Gandhi stepped in and termed "unlawful" the manner of recapturing of villages in Nandigram by CPM. It is a clear indictment of the West Bengal government and ruling CPM. The governor's statement said, "Nandigram has become a war zone. No government or society can allow a war zone to exist without immediate and effective action."

CPM was quick to condemn the governor's statement. They blamed the governor of overstepping his constitutional authority. The party also said that governor has been misinformed on Nandigram.