The Hindu : National : State Congress backs Mamata's offer

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Wednesday, Aug 11, 2010
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National

State Congress backs Mamata's offer

Raktima Bose

KOLKATA: In an apparent bid to shore up its alliance with the Trinamool Congress, the West Bengal Pradesh Congress Committee (WBPCC) leadership on Tuesday appreciatedMamata Banerjee's proposal to mediate in the peace initiatives between the Maoists and the Centre.

This despite Ms. Banerjee having advocated the withdrawal of security forces from the Jangalmahal region on the condition that the Maoists declare a ceasefire, and her criticism of the “murder” of Maoist spokesperson Azad. Her much-hyped ‘apolitical' rally at Lalgarh in Paschim Medinipur district on Monday has already put the Congress-led UPA government in a tricky spot, with the Left parties and the Bharatiya Janata Party uniting on the floor of Parliament to demand a clarification on her remarks about the security operations.

WBPCC president Manas Bhunia lambasted the State government and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) for calling Ms. Banerjee a “friend of the Maoists” and supported her proposal of acting as a mediator in the peace process.

He, however, refused to comment on the issue of Azad's killing.

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