“The Nandigram trouble has been fomented by the Opposition parties,” said Bose. Explaining why issues like land acquisition for industry and the chemical hub remain in the CPM’s poll manifesto, Bose said: “ It (Nandigram incidents) doesn’t mean that land won’t be acquired or industry will not be invited. It will continue. We will industrialise the state to develop its economy.”

He also spoke on the divisions within the Left Front. “I admit that the unity within the Left Front has not been effective. For at least 5,000 of the 51,000 seats for panchayats, we will see contests among the Left Front partners themselves. Besides, some partners are supporting independent candidates at various places.” He added, “We have tried our best and we still appeal to all the partners to come and work together.”

Bloc leader seeks arrest of CPM minister’s CA
State Minister for Cooperation Rabindra Ghosh on Monday wrote a letter to Home Secretary Asok Mohan Chakrabarti and later called him demanding the arrest of Utpal Sarkar, Confidential Assistant (CA) of Minister for Food Processing Mohanta Chatterjee. Sarkar had allegedly shot and wounded Najimul Islam, CA of Ghosh.

Islam was injured on Saturday following a clash between the supporters of the CPM and the Forward Bloc during a campaign for panchayat elections in Uluberia at Howrah district. Islam later lodged an FIR against Sarkar. While Ghosh belongs to the Bloc, Chatterjee is a CPM minister.

"Yes, I have got the phone call. The police have been told to investigate into the matter," Chakrabarti said today.