The Pioneer - Indian Newspapers in English Language from two editions.

The Pioneer - Indian Newspapers in English Language from two editions.


CPM renews attack on Gopal's Gandhigiri

PTI | Kolkata

West Bengal Governor Gopalkrishna Gandhi was being "childish" with his self-imposed power cuts at Raj Bhavan, CPI(M) stalwart Jyoti Basu said on Friday, while Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee chose to avoid a controversy, saying he would not comment.



Basu said the Governor's action was not in consonance with the dignity of his post and he should have consulted Power Minister Mrinal Banerjee and inquired about the situation.

"It is an act against the State (Government). I am openly saying he should call the Minister if he has to say anything on any matter. He should do so if he really wants any good of the State," Basu said.

Refusing to comment on the Governor, the Chief Minister claimed that the power situation was comfortable.

Asked to comment on Basu and CPI(M) State secretary Biman Bose's criticism of the Governor, Bhattacharjee said, "I will not comment on it. You can ask Jyoti Basu and Biman Bose about what they have said."

Asked whether he too was for abolition of the post of Governor as demanded by his State party secretary, Bhattacharjee skirted the question, saying the Centre has set up a commission to go into Centre-State relations.

"After Sarkaria Commission, major issues are still to be addressed. When this Commission starts functioning, our party will submit a memorandum. You will then come to know what our stand on the issue is."

Gandhi's voluntary power cuts at the Raj Bhavan since Wednesday to share the plight of citizens suffering from widespread power cuts, has raised the hackles of the CPI(M) top brass in the State.