Kolkata: Former West Bengal Chief Minister
Siddhartha Shankar Ray on Sunday alleged that "non-development"
during the Left Front rule, spanning over a period of over 30
years, led to the rise of Maoists in the state.
Roy, who headed the Congress government in West Bengal in
the early 70's before the Left Front came to power in 1977,
suggested that Article 355 of the Constitution should be
invoked to bring about development in Maoist-infested areas.
Pointing out that the Centre's role should not end by
just sending paramilitary forces to Lalgarh and other
Maoist-hit areas, he suggested that the development should be
monitored by a committee of reputed NGOs.
Article 355 says, "it shall be the duty of the Union to
protect every state against external aggression and internal
disturbance and to ensure that the government of every state
is carried on in accordance with the provisions of this
Constitution".
Non-development by the Left led to the rise of Maoists,
he alleged.
"There is a need for massive development in the areas
inhabited by the adivasis in the districts of West Bengal, hit
by Maoist activities. The people have no food to eat."
Ray said, "they do not trust this state government. It
has lost credibility. Therefore the development in the areas
should not be left to the state government. It should be done
through a committee of NGOs and also organisations like the
Ramkrishna Mission and Bharat Sevashram Sangha under the
supervision of a Central minister," he said.
"The joint forces would not interfere in the development
work to be carried on by the NGOs," he said.
The leader said that he will a write a letter to Union
Home Minister P Chidambaram soon suggesting points raised by
him to the media today.
"I spoke of Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh to show how the
adivasis are exploited. They work in bauxite and iron ore
mines. Many important companies working in the mines are
making considerable wealth through their sacrifices".
"All of us should beg apology to the adivasis for not
doing enough for their development. I myself am seeking
apology through you (media)," Ray said.
PTI
First Published: Sunday, November 22, 2009, 21:37