Mamata quits as MP over Nandigram issue

The Trinamool leader calls for an "indefinite protest" against violence in the troubled area of West Bengal.

Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Saturday announced her resignation from the Lok Sabha in protest against the 'continuing bloodshed' at Nandigram and said her party would 'paralyse' West Bengal for an indefinite period from Monday.

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Claiming that 200 persons were 'massacred' at Sonachura and Mahespur areas of Nandigram in the day as the CPI(M) attacked two processions of the Bhumi Ucched Pratirodh Committee, a visibly agitated Banerjee, said "I am tendering my resignation in protest against the massacre."

She claimed at a press conference in Kolkata that the bodies of those killed were taken away to the CPI(M) stronghold of Khejuri by Marxist cadres, while those injured were not being allowed to be taken to hospital.

Stating that she found 'the politics of bloodshed' repugnant, Banerjee said that she was sending her resignation letter to "all concerned".

She said "it is no longer possible to carry on political activities in West Bengal under the oppressive, one-party rule of the CPI(M)."

She, however, did not clarify to whom she had sent her resignation letter.

She also announced her party's plans to 'paralyse' Bengal for an indefinite period from Monday.

When asked whether she supported the strike called by the SUCI on Monday, she said "from now on, everyone will be together."

Banerjee said that she would leave for Nandigram later in the day but would not attempt to break the blockade by the CPI(M), "as it might lead to further violence. Let the Centre decide how to lift the blockade."