Buddhadeb concurs with Centre on Maoists

Kolkata, Jun 24: The Chief Minister of West Bengal, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee went with the Centre's decision of banning Maoists on Tuesday, Jun 23.

"The Centre announced the ban on Monday under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act. The ban applies to the entire country, and is valid for West Bengal too," Bhattacharjee said.

He however played it safe by saying that Bengal will implement the ban but affirmed that it should be left to the state to choose the methods of implementation.

This move by the chief minister reinforced the perception of the divided Left front. Bhattacharjee disagreed with Prakash Karat's stance on the ban who on Monday, Jun 22 expressed his opposition to the Centre's decision.

However, Bhattacharjee's arguement that the state can not ignore the government's ban order has brought down criticism from the Left Front. In the state cabinet meeting held on Tuesday, Jun 23 expressed fury over the Chief Minister's stance with some allies even threatening to severe ties with the front.

OneIndia News