Tribals of Bengal and Tripura are better lot: Brinda

Midnapore, May 12 (UNI) Tribals of West Bengal and Tripura enjoy better living conditions in comparison to other states of the country, CPI(M) Politburo member Brinda Karat said today.

Talking to reporters after addressing party's tribal leaders of the state, Ms Karat said the tribal people of the two states were better citizens than their counterparts elsewhere in the country. The state government here was much more sympathetic to their demands, she said.

Around 75 tribal leaders had participated here in the daylong Special State Convention of Tribals.

Ms Karat left for Nandigram to assess progress of an Welfare project now being financed from the local MP fund.

Asked whether the Maoist activities in West Midnapur district has prompted the CPI(M) leaders to hold such special convention here, CPI(M) state secretary Biman Bose denied it.

''The state convention was first held in this district about seven years back when the Maoist movement did not gather any momentum. This is a regular party programme and included in the party document,'' he said.

So far 15 party members have been killed by Maoist rebels in this district.

UNI