CPI(M) protest against Trinamool's ‘reign of terror'

THE HINDU, March 23, 2012 01:47 IST  

Lok Sabha adjourned on the issue; party MPs stage walkout in Rajya Sabha

Protesting against what it called a reign of terror let loose in West Bengal after the Assembly elections last year, the Communist Party of India (Marxist) staged a demonstration inside Parliament and sat in dharna on its premises on Thursday.

The issue led to a heated discussion in the Lok Sabha with the Trinamool Congress opposing it — leading to adjournment of the House. The CPI(M) MPs staged a walkout in the Rajya Sabha for not being allowed to raise the issue.

In the Lok Sabha, CPI(M)'s Basudeb Acharia alleged that in West Bengal women were being harassed, raped and molested in broad daylight; personal liberty and human rights were being violated.

He also charged the State government with depriving citizens of the right to life — pointing to the murder of an ex-legislator. Even farmers with title deeds were being evicted from their land, he claimed.

Trade union and party offices were being ransacked and destroyed, Mr. Acharia alleged, adding that thousands of workers had fled their villages. Thousands of people had been assaulted and several had been fined, he added.

He asserted that democracy was not safe in the hands of the State government. But as the Trinamool members continued to interrupt him, the Chair adjourned the House for an hour.

In the Rajya Sabha, CPI(M)'s Prashant Chatterjee alleged that 60 party workers had been killed but the Chair insisted on a notice for a discussion on the issue. When MP Sitaram Yechury, too, failed to secure an immediate discussion, the CPI(M) members staged a walkout.

At the dharna, the MPs raised slogans against the Trinamool and charged that false cases were being filed against Left leaders and former legislators.