CPI(M) leader Basudeb Acharia on Thursday alleged in the Lok Sabha that the Trinamool Congress chief was providing material and moral support to the CPI(Maoist) in West Bengal, thwarting the operation launched against Maoists by the Centre.
Speaking on the motion of thanks on the President's address to the joint session of Parliament, Mr. Acharia said the problem of Left wing extremism had taken a serious and difficult dimension in view of the support extended by the leader of a constituent of the UPA, which is in power at the Centre.
Without referring to Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee by name, the CPI(M) leader said she had, at a public meeting, assured Maoists that she would try to prevail upon the Centre to meet their demands, including withdrawal of forces from Lalgarh. Mr. Acharia wondered if any Cabinet member could oppose a decision taken by the Centre. She had time and again made such statements, he pointed out.
Mr. Acharia said the Trinamool was hand in glove with Maoists when the Prime Minister time and again issued public statements that Left wing extremism was the gravest threat to national security.
When Trinamool members took exception to his remarks, Mr. Acharia underscored that he was not levelling any allegation but was only quoting her public statements. He charged that it was an open secret that Maoist leader Kishanji wanted to see Ms. Banerjee as the Chief Minister of West Bengal.
Mr. Acharia demanded that the Union government explain how a Minister was allowed to oppose the collective decision of the Government of India to put down Left wing extremism in West Bengal.
Trinamool leader Shubendu Adhikari countered that Maoists had a link with the ruling CPI(M) in West Bengal.
