The CPI(M)-led government in West Bengal on Wednesday came under all-round attack on the Nandigram issue in the Lok Sabha with the Opposition BJP asking the Centre to issue directions to it under Article 355 and dismiss if it failed to follow them.
Sharply critical of the handling of the situation, the Congress wanted an "objective introspection" and bringing the guilty to book to ensure peace and harmony in the area.
Initiating a debate on the issue, Leader of the Opposition LK Advani reminded the Centre the Constitution empowers it to issue directives to state governments under Article 355.
"If these directions are not followed, then the Centre is fully justified in invoking Article 356 (imposing President's Rule) in the state," said Advani, who had earlier this month, led a NDA delegation to Nandigram.
Maintaining that the Governor, the Calcutta High Court and senior CRPF officers had painted a grim picture of the happenings, he asked the Centre to call Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi and get a detailed report on incidents there.
He also demanded that an all-party delegation be sent to the area to assess the situation.
{{/usCountry}}He also demanded that an all-party delegation be sent to the area to assess the situation.
{{/usCountry}}Intervening in the discussion, Parliamentary Affairs Minister PR Dasmunsi, a prominent leader from West Bengal, said it was time for objective introspection for the West Bengal government on the issue over which it has come under a fierce attack from Left-minded intellectuals, artistes and writers.