CPI-M-Maoists-PCPA nexus in Junglemahal: Mamata

Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Friday alleged that Communist party of India-Marxist was colluding with Maoists and People's Committee Against Police Atrocities in the assembly elections to defeat her party in Junglemahal area.

"It is the CPI-M which has imported Maoists. The CPI-M and the Maoists are the face and the mask of an unholy identity fighting the polls to defeat Trinamool Congress," Banerjee told rallies before winding up her poll campaign in West Midnapore district.

"After killing innocent tribals, CPI-M cadres say these are done by Maoists. False cases are filed against poor people dubbing them as Maoists to gag the voice of protests against non-development and torture," she said.

Without naming jailed PCPA leader Chhatradhar Mahato, Banerjee said he was contesting the election only to cut into the votes of her party. "Don't give a single vote to him (Mahato). A vote to him will help CPI-M," Banerjee said.

Mahato, the former convener of PCPA, has been allowed by a court to contest the elections. He is contesting as an Independent from Jhargram constituency where candidates of both CPI-M. and Trinamool are in the poll fray.

Stating that underdevelopment is the cause of tribal unrest in Junglemahal area, Banerjee said Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee had no guts to visit Junglemahal because he knew that the Left Front Government had not done anything for the tribals during the past 34 years.

"The fact remains that there is no development – no road, no electricity, no school. CPI-M cadres have misappropriated all central funds meant for the poor in this region." Out of 341 blocks, people in 147 blocks remained half- starved every day, she claimed.

"I am confident that the people will give these evil forces a fitting reply in the election," she said. Banerjee said it was the duty of the Left Front government to initiate dialogue with the rebels (Maoists) to usher in peace in the state. But the state government did not take any move.

"If we are voted to power in the state, we shall bring peace in Junglemahal and and talk to the rebels," she said.

Referring to today's press conference of the chief minister in Kolkata, she said "Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has violated the election code of conduct by holding press conference 24 hours prior to the election."

Election will be held in the fifth phase tomorrow for 38 constituencies in parts of West Midnapore, Bankura, Purulia and Burdwan districts.