Open to talks with Maoists: Mamata Banerjee

Kolkata, Jan 22 (ANI): Railways Minister and Trinamool Congress Chief Mamata Banerjee has said her party believes in a peaceful solution to the Maoist menace.

Talking to reporters here on Thursday, Banerjee said her party would not mind having a dialogue with the armed ultra rebel.

"I still believe that there could be a peaceful and political solution without the guns that is what I have said. That in democracy there should be scope for negotiations. I have never withdrawn my stand. If some one (Maoist) comes to me for talks then I will agree. I know we need to let the Home Ministry know. We will talk. We will inform time to time since government has certain system," Banerjee added.

West Bengal is among the worst Maoist affected areas in the country.

Maoists claim they are fighting for the rights of poor farmers and landless labourers, but they are fast losing credibility as they continue attacking schools, hospitals and infrastructure projects. (ANI)