Kolkata (PTI): Attacking Congress for calling a state-wide bandh on Friday in protest against the assault on its MLAs, West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee on Thursday said the Left Front government was ready for talks with the Opposition to resolve "any problems".

"I don't know what solution the bandh will provide. I am ready to discuss anything. I had a long positive discussion with CLP leader Manas Bhunia during the day. Solution can be found this way," he told the assembly on the concluding day of the budget session.

Congress has called a 12-hour bandh in the state on Friday in protest against yesterday's attack on its MLAs allegedly by CPI(M) supporters in Mangalkot in Burdwan.

The chief minister said if the Opposition chose to stay away and take to the streets, it would not be good for democracy. "There is secessionist problem in Darjeeling hills, there is a Maoist problem, shall we accept it? We need consensus," he said.

Stating that the breakdown of law and order would obstruct the development of the state, Mr. Bhattacharjee said his government was trying its best to maintain peace. "Untoward incidents are taking place in different areas in the state. It cannot be tolerated," he said.

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