Left unions call for Bengal strike on Dec. 20

Calcutta, Dec. 1. The Left trade unions and mass organisations today called a 24-hour `general strike' in West Bengal on December 20 in protest against Centre's `discriminatory attitude' towards the State about releasing funds for flood-hit people.

The strike decision was taken at a meeting of the national platform of mass organisations (WB unit) here today, the CITU's State general secretary, Mr. Chittabrata Majumder, told presspersons.

The meeting was attended by leaders of various trade unions. He said the people in the State, particularly those affected by the recent devastating floods, were ``aggrieved'' at the Vajpayee Government's ``apathy'' towards granting funds.

Resignations sought

The West Bengal CPI(M) secretary, Mr. Anil Biswas, today demanded the resignation of the Union Ministers from the State if they `failed to ensure' release of Central funds for the State's flood-hit people. ``They should either bring funds from the Centre or quit,'' Mr. Biswas told presspersons.

PM assures funds

SILIGURI, DEC. 1. The West Bengal Chief Minister, Mr. Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, today said that the Prime Minister, Mr. A.B. Vajpayee, had assured him of providing funds from the National Calamity Fund for flood relief in the State immediately after passing a bill in the current session of parliament in New Delhi on Thursday.

- PTI

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