NEW DELHI: In the context of the violence in Nandigram, the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday demanded that the Centre invoke Article 355 of the Constitution to direct West Bengal to "rein in Communist Party of India (Marxist) cadre and the police and take all necessary steps to restore law and order and constitutional governance".

Article 355 mandates the Union Government to protect States against external aggression and internal disturbance to ensure that the Government of every State is carried on in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution.

Leader of the Opposition L.K. Advani said though police brutality against ordinary people had been reported from different States, never before did police atrocities lead a Governor, as head of the State, to come out so strongly as did Gopalkrishna Gandhi.

The Governor's statement made it clear that he had warned the Government of the rising tension in Nandigram, Mr. Advani told a press conference in Parliament House.

The BJP leader demanded that the Centre, under Article 355, direct West Bengal to unconditionally withdraw the proposal for setting up a special economic zone in Nandigram. Without a categorical assurance protests by villagers would not stop, he said.

Send all-party team

Attacking the CPI (M) for displaying a "Stalinist mindset," Mr. Advani asked that an all-party parliamentary delegation be sent to the State to report on the facts of the case. A sense of security could be created among the people by sending Central security forces to Nandigram.

He said the media were not allowed to go to the disturbed area. Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee was not allowed free movement, nor was she provided adequate security.

Give adequate compensation

Condoling the deaths of villagers in Wednesday's police firing, Mr. Advani demanded adequate compensation to their families.

The National Democratic Alliance sought an appointment with President A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, he said.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail