The Hindu : National : “CPI(M) using ‘Lalgarh formula’ to wrest control”

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“CPI(M) using ‘Lalgarh formula’ to wrest control”

Special Correspondent

Mamata Banerjee

KOLKATA: The CPI(M)-led West Bengal government is keeping Central forces in the forefront to perpetrate atrocities on the people of Lalgarh with an eye on establishing its control over the area, Trinamool Congress chief and Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee alleged here on Saturday.

If the CPI(M) did not withdraw within 48 hours its allegation that the Trinamool had links with the Maoists, her party would take to the streets and launch an agitation demanding that the State government be sacked.

Ms. Banerjee criticised what she described as the CPI(M)’s attempts at “capturing” different places employing “the Lalgarh formula.” On the Lalgarh offensive, she wondered why the government had not taken “this step all these days.”

“They [the CPI-M] are torturing innocent people in the name of action against Maoists. This we condemn. We are against terrorism; we want peace,” Ms. Banerjee said, demanding that the Centre declare the districts of Bankura, Purulia and West Medinipur disturbed under the Disturbed Area Act.

Reacting strongly to Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s comment in New Delhi earlier in the day that Chhatradhar Mahato, convener of the Maoist-backed Police Santrash Birodhi Janashadharaner Committee, was a member of the Trinamool, Ms. Banerjee said: “We have driven out Chhatradhar [from the party] a long time ago.”

The Chief Minister “should withdraw” his remark “or be sacked,” she demanded.

Asked about Maoist leader Koteshwar Rao alias Kishenji’s remark to a local television channel questioning Ms. Banerjee’s silence on Lalagrh developments when it was the Maoists who supported her party during the agitation in Nandigram, Ms Banerjee said: “There were no Maoists in Singur, Nandigram. It is the CPI(M) workers who are the Maoists.”

As regards the Maoist leader’s utterances, she said, “I do not know who these people are. … It is their [CPI-M] drama”.

On reports from New Delhi quoting the Chief Minister as saying that his government would consider banning the Maoists, she said: “Impression, expression, confusion and contradiction are all related in such a package. What is the net result? We want net results.”

Letters to the Editor on Lalgarh crisis

Centre backs appeal for talks with Maoists

“Charge against Trinamool proved”

No link with Maoists: Trinamool

Help resolve Lalgarh crisis-Editorial

Trouble in Lalgarh - in pics

Problem at Lalgarh spreading: official

“PSBJC will accept democratic forces’ support”

Tribals hold rally in Lalgarh

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