Biswas: Biding by party norms?

Calcutta, Oct. 31: Fugitive minister Narayan Biswas quit office today, a week before the high court hears his anticipatory bail plea in connection with a case in which he has evaded arrest for 16 years.

?He (Biswas) has tendered his resignation and I have sent it to the governor,? said Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, whose government and party had been under increasing pressure for ?shielding? Biswas.

Asked about his reaction to the resignation of the minister of state for cottage and small-scale industries, the chief minister said: ?No comment, you write what you wish.? The hint of a smile, however, was suggestive.

The Telegraph was first to predict today?s development and report how Bhattacharjee, unhappy over growing public outrage towards Biswas, was pressing for the resignation and arrest in compliance with a court order. Commerce and industries minister Nirupam Sen will look after Biswas?s department.

The CPM brass decided to direct Biswas to quit on Saturday. Anil Biswas and some other leaders were apparently in favour of waiting till November 7 when the court reconvenes after Puja vacation. They relented in the face of Bhattacharjee?s argument that the party had to effectively fight back the Opposition?s campaign demanding the arrest, launched with an eye on next year?s Assembly polls. ?Though the charges against him have not been proved, by getting him to resign, we have set an example of political morality,? Anil Biswas said.

A court of erstwhile West Dinajpur issued a warrant against Biswas, then an influential leader, in 1989. In 16 years, police could not touch him. After relinquishing office, he said: ?I have done what my party had asked me to do.?

Biswas said he was ?ready to surrender?.