Buddha claims all’s well but state poll observer says: Nandigram grim, fearful

The observer appointed by the West Bengal State Election Commission for Sunday’s Panchayat elections in Nandigram has called the situation there “grim and beyond normalcy.”

The observer appointed by the West Bengal State Election Commission for Sunday’s Panchayat elections in Nandigram has called the situation there “grim and beyond normalcy.” His report sent to the Commission last night, a copy of which is with The Indian Express, contradicts what Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee claimed this afternoon that an “atmosphere of peace” has been restored in Nandigram and reports about violence were “largely rumours.”

The observer, Sujit Dasgupta, an IAS officer, visited Nandigram Block 1 yesterday and has given a detailed account of what he calls the atmosphere of panic and fear. “I found that the people in the camps beside the (BDO’s) office were shifted to their houses in phases with Force (CRPF), but after some time, it was reported that at Garchakraberia, bombing and firing started by CPM people on even the CRPF. Apart from this, incidents of attack and of untoward nature were also reported at different spots/villages throughout Nandigram — Block 1, e.g. Banashree Gouri, Satengabari, (of Nandigram Block- II) beside Gokulnagar GP, Sonachura GP, Kalicharanpur GP, etc. One person was arrested with arms…”

Dasgupta’s report noted: “The situation throughout Nandigram — Block I is grim and beyond normalcy. The Trinamool and Bhoomi Uchched Pratirodh Committee supporters felt panicked and asked for their security and proper legal action (with arrest) against errant miscreants…They have also demanded to close Nandigram-Khejuri border and seizure of illegal arms. They have also demanded that CRPF be given independent powers to control the situation and adequate arrangements for free and fair election in the Block.”

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When asked about the report, Secretary to the West Bengal State Election Commission S N Roy Chowdhury said: “I will not disclose the observer’s report. It is under the consideration of the Commission.” He, however, confirmed that he had been in touch with Dasgupta till late last night.

Nandigram has effectively become this Panchayat election’s big-picture story in Bengal. Even as the state enters the final stages of a three-phase poll, beginning Sunday, the fight over Nandigram has got bitter and fierce. This is primarily because the outcome in this block, out of a total of 340 that are going to the polls, is likely to to be used as a referendum by both the opposition and the ruling party.

Even though the ruling CPM controls an overwhelming 70% of the gram panchayats — the lowest tier of the three-tier system through out the state — a win would decisively seal the voice of dissent. It will be interpreted as a vote for CM’s policy of migration form agriculture to industry.

The party’s rank and file at the local level have already started saying that those who “revolted” against the party in Nandigram are gradually returning to the fold. “It is just a matter of time before they realize their mistake and make amends,” says Ashok Guria, a local CPM leader.

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At the state level, the CM is as assertive as the grassroots workers about regaining Nandigram. “Things have radically changed in Nandigram it the past few months,” said Bhattacharjee. “There remains a legacy of bitterness as reflected in occasional minor skirmishes between the two sides. But I assure you that polls will be totally peaceful in Nandigram.”

For Mamata Banerjee, a victory in Nandigram, will be packaged as a verdict against the CPM’s policy. So while her fortunes elsewhere may have plunged, she has diverted all her energy to Nandigram. For almost a week now, she has parked herself at Tamluk, the district headquarters for East Midnapore, to campaign around Nandigram. With the campaigning coming to a close tomorrow, she plans to enter Nandigram.

A look at the existing political balance in Nandigram explains the bitter rivalry. Of the 10 Gram panchayats in Nandigram — Block I, where the rivalry has played out the whole of last year, seven are held by CPM and Left partners and three by the Trinamool Congress. But in terms of the number of seats held by each at the Gram Panchayat level, the difference is not so broad. For instance there are 136 seats covering the 10 GPs and the Left controls 76 while the Trinamool Congress, Congress and others control 60.

In neighbouring Nandigram Block II, the fight is close. For example, in the 16 Panchayat Samiti seats, Left and Trinamool hold seven each. The rest two are held by Independents, supported by the Opposition. he Trinamool Congress therefore controls the Nandigram Block — II panchayat samiti. In the last Panchayat election, both blocks registered a 90% turnout.