Kolkata: November 13, 2007 – IR Summary - L.K.Advani, leader of the Opposition in the Parliament and BJP chairperson  here today described the Nandigram incident as ''shocking beyond words.'' He arrived here this morning New Delhi, along with an eight-member delegation to proceed to Nandigram.

The delegation comprised Ms Sushma Swaraj (BJP), Mr S S Ahluwalia (BJP), Mr Anant Geepe (Shiv Sena), Mr Sukhbir Singh Badal (Akali Dal), Mr Sarat Yadav (Janata Dal United), Mr B K Tripathi (Biju Janata Dal) and Mr Chandan Mitra (Independent), besides L.K.Advani.

Trinamool MP Mukul Roy would join the delegation and would  would visit the Tamluk Hospital as well as the refugee camp.

Clarifying the reason for his visit, Mr Advani told the media that he had come here   to assess the situation at Nandigram, how far it is depressing and heart piercing as being reported in Press.  

Mr Advani said, ''While the CPM is itself obsessed with international issues, including the Nuclear Deal, the nation is extremely concerned about how the Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee-led CPM government in West Bengal has nuked the farmers of Nandigram.''

Advani further said the Opposition would raise the Nandigram issue in the winter session of Parliament since it was no less important than the Nuclear Deal issue.

''We will also report the plight of the farmers after our visit to Nandigram,'' he added.

The Opposition leader flayed the Congress, saying that no minister from the Centre had bothered to visit Nandigram to enquire about the situation as per UNI.