The Congress, however, was guarded in coming out with its views on the issue, quite obviously due to sensitivities of its ties with the Left at the Centre, thanks to the nuclear deal tug of war between the two sides.

“The most unfortunate things are happening in Nandigram. The state government will have to bring the situation under control, it cannot allow things to go out of control,” AICC media department chairman Veerappa Moily said here.

“It is a matter of great concern to all of us. The rule of law must be equal for all. We are confident that a mature politician like Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee will control the situation,” Mr Moily said, reacting to reports of CPM cadre eeking to forcefully take control of the area.

Asked if Governor Gopal Krishna Gandhi’s critical comments on the issue indicated that there was a case for imposition of President’s Rule in West Bengal, he replied in the negative.

In an apparent indication of the Congress party’s uneasiness over the development,  he said, “I do not think that this kind of misunderstanding or mistrust can take place between the state government and the governor. They will have to sort it out.”