West Bengal chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and Trinamul Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Saturday crossed swords over the Maoist issue. Mr Bhattacharjee accused Ms Banerjee of being hand in gloves with the rebels while she alleged that the CPI(M) cadres were killing people and blaming the Maoists.
Desperate to find support in Jangalmahal ahead of the next Assembly polls, the arch-rivals addressed separate rallies in Bankura and Purulia.
These two neighbouring districts, along with west Midnapore, constitute the Jangalmahal and are also Maoist-affected region. There are 42 Assembly constituencies in this region which has so far been CPI(M)’s strong bastion.
The first salvo was fired by the chief minister at Satighat in Bankura. Reiterating his charge, Mr Bhattacharjee said that the Maoists indulged in indiscriminate killings and the Trinamul Congress was supporting it. “The Trinamul Congress wants the Maoists to eliminate CPI(M) supporters and turn the state into killing field so that it can come to power,” he added.
Mr Bhattacharjee claimed that the people who had initially been terrorised by the Maoists are now putting up resistance.
“The people have now realised that if the Maoists are not checked they will spread all over the state with the help of the Trinamul Congress,” he added.
Lashing out against Ms Banerjee, he said that she proclaimed falsehoods. “She promises jobs galore. She has been the Union railway minister for more than a year. How many jobs has she given to the unemployed youth?” he asked.
He described the Trinamul Congress as the party of disorder. “The CPI(M) alone cares for the poor. Will you accept a party which is bent on creating chaos and disorder in the state?” he asked.