CM suggests compromise formula

West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee today proposed a compromise formula to Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee, who is on a hunger strike against land acquisition for the Tatas' car project in Singur.

The specifics could not be known but sources said the government might offer an assurance that land held by farmers who had refused to accept compensation after completion of the acquisition could be kept out of the area being handed over for the plant.

"We have sent the letter. We hope for the best," Bhattacharjee told reporters at the Writers' Buildings. He did not disclose the details of the letter.

Earlier, he met Industry Minister Nirupam Sen and housing minister Gautam Deb. Chief Secretary Amit Kiron Deb, Home Secretary Prasad Ranjan Roy, and Commerce and Industry Secretary Sabyasachi Sen were also present. Roy said Trinamool's reply was expected late tonight.

Meanwhile, Banerjee needed oxygen support at her hunger strike platform. She has refused other medical help from state authorities.

Earlier in the day, the Trinamool Congress set up a seven-member panel to monitor the health of Banerjee, whose fast entered the 25th day today.

A medical team led by physician Sudarshan Ghosh Dastidar examined Banerjee, whose blood pressure had dropped to 96/52 and pulse rate was low. She was suffering chest pain and muscle cramps.

The Command Hospital in Kolkata is standing by for an emergency.

Meanwhile, in Singur, bodies of an old couple were found in their house in Beraberi village. IG (Law and Order) Raj Kanojia said they were investigating.

Earlier in the day, in his election speeches in north Bengal, Bhattacharjee appealed to Banerjee to withdraw the fast.