In a rerun of Singur issue, the opposition Congress, Trinamool Congress and ruling left front partner RSP joined hands to oppose a satellite township project near Siliguri, prompting West Bengal Urban Development minister Asok Bhattacharya to invite WBPCC Secretary Deepa Dasmunshi for talks and call off her dharna.

Dasmunsi, spearheading the anti-land acquisition movement for the township on behalf of the Darjeeling district (plain) Congress and 'Bhumi Raksha Committee' of the opposing parties, was on a dharna, five km from here, since September 12 demanding the project be scrapped, causing traffic snarl on Noukaghat-Medical College Road.

Bhattacharya, Chairman of Siliguri-Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA), invited Dasmunsi for talks on September 19.

Claiming that the compensation package for land losers was one of the best in the country, the minister expressed suprise over the flurry of protests against a project, to be built over an area of 302 acres, "which would protect the interest of land losers and an absolute need for the fast growing commercial hub.

The CPI(M) also held a meeting within 100 metre of the dharna manch on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, President and Secretary of the Bhumi Raksha committee Harasit Biswas and Jugolkishore Sarkar demanded that district Congress President, Shankar Malakar be too invited for talks.

Alleging the minister was indulging in double standard by extending invitation for talks on the one hand and initiating a party rally close to the Dharna manch, Sarkar said the interest of landowners must be protected.

SDJA sources earlier claimed the 302-acre plot was a non-fertile one, and the proposed township would house middle and lower middle class people.

... contd.