Today’s event was supposed to be the first occasion where the Left Front partners would have shared the stage in a public gathering after a long period of conflict with the CPM on the Nandigram issue.

Vidyasagar Mela is patronised by the Left Front chairman.

WHile senior RSP leader and PWD Minister Kshiti Goswami decided to stay away citing hectic work schedule as reason, Kiranmay Nanda, Fisheries Minister and a leader of DSP, another Left Front ally, was also conspicuous by his absence.

CPI leader and Irrigation Minister Nandagopal Bhattacharya also cited a hectic work schedule to skip the annual event.

The organisers, Vidyasagar Foundation and Bangiya Shakharata Prashar Samiti (BSPS), had invited Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, Biman Bose, Kshiti Goswami, Kirnamay Nanda, Nandagopal Bhattacharya, Forward Bloc leader Naren De and Marxist Forward Bloc leader and state Fire Minister Pratim Chatterjee.

Apart from the CM, Naren De was the only leader who was present on the occasion while Pratim Chatterjee made his entry only after the closing ceremony.

In his address to the gathering, Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee urged the people to cooperate and complement the government’s efforts in curbing illiteracy.