Bose Rejects Comparison of Nandigram Land Agitation to Sandeshkhali, Defends Press Freedom

Speaking on Saturday, Left Front chairman Biman Bose stated that the land agitation in Nandigram, East Midnapore, cannot be compared to the 2007 demonstrations in Sandeshkhali.

"There has been illegal land grabbing in Sandeshkhali, but there has been no such incident in Nandigram. The independent Haldia Development Authority's announcement of its plan to establish a chemical center sparked the unrest that began in Sonachura. At a conference titled "Is the freedom, honesty, and objectivity of media in danger?" Bose said, "Even then, a section of the media is equating the two, but what can we say?"

The lecture was a component of a celebration honoring the memories of last year's deceased journalist Sumit Bandopadhyay.

People in Sandeshkhali claim that their fields were taken and flooded with salt water to turn them into bheris, however other media outlets maintain that Nandigram's scenario is same. While not a single square inch of land was taken in Nandigram, some are drawing comparisons between it and Sandeshkhali. The CPM veteran replied, "The claim is not correct," adding that he supported press freedom.

Bose voiced his worries about the situation of the media, which was being targeted by the government that was in power at the time.

Remembering his time spent working with Bandopadhyay, Bose said the late journalist flew the flag for independence, integrity, and objectivity—values essential to an impartial press.

Snehasish Sur, the president of the Calcutta Press Club, recalled Sumit Bandopadhyay's work as a Doordarshan journalist and noted that, although being a devout Leftist, he never allowed his political beliefs to get in the way of his journalism. Purba, the oldest daughter of Bandyopadhyay, also gave a speech at the memorial.