CPI(M) stood isolated in the wake of the land acquisition at Singur and the proposed SEZ for the Salim group at Nandigram.
Allies demand moratorium and amendment of laws
NEW DELHI: Inviting the charge of being insensitive and anti-peasant, the CPI(M) stood isolated in the wake of the controversial land acquisition at Singur and the proposed SEZ for the Indonesian Salim group at Nandigram.
The violence that claimed the lives of seven people in Nandigram on Saturday has not only earned the party criticism from the Left partners, but also from the Opposition in the state.
Former Prime Minister V P Singh and Congress general secretary Digvijay Singh also demanded an amendment into the "archaic" Land Acquisition Act.
Accusing the Communists of "double-speak" on current economic issues, Opposition leader L K Advani demanded an all-party meeting to discuss land acquisition.
Warning that day may not be far off when farmers will take up arms if their land is sold arbitrarily, V P Singh demanded a six-month "moratorium" on all land acquisition for industrial projects and SEZs across the country.
"In the US, the state does not acquire land for industrial projects," he said. He added: "Corporate landlordism with the help of the state will not help." Singh suggested setting up of a commission to work on a regulatory framework in acquiring land.
BJP general secretary Arun Jaitley said, "Now it's Salem (industrial group) Salam instead of Lal Salam. And to achieve that they are crushing the peasantry. The Marxists have unleashed a war on peasantry in the area."
"The Left is exercising double standards. The norms that they prescribe on the SEZ to the Centre are not followed in the state. Instead of looking for barren lands, it is only earmarking fertile land for industrialization," he said.
Terming the Nandigram violence unfortunate, Congress spokesperson Satyabrata Chaturvedi asked the West Bengal government to be "more careful" while acquiring land.
Coming down heavily on the CPI(M)-led government, V P Singh said it was not the business of the government to acquire land for SEZ or industrial projects on behalf of corporate houses.
Taking a dig at the Buddha government's claim that the state offered the best compensation package, Singh said: "Who told you to make the package when the farmers are not willing to sell their land. It's like someone acquiring your house and telling you to take compensation and get out…"
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