Yechuri accuses TC of having links with Maoists

Kolkata, Jan 14 (PTI) CPI(M) Politburo member SitaramYechuri tonight charged the Trinamool Congress with connivingwith the Maoists in perpetrating violence in West Bengal.

"We have lost 370 comrades since the last Lok Sabhaelection in the state in such violence. Those perpetratingviolence in the state must be brought to book," Yechuri toldreporters on his arrival in the city to attend the two-dayCPI(M) Politburo meeting beginning tomorrow.

Yechuri said he wondered that with Prime MinisterManmohan Singh himself asserting that Maoists are the greatestthreat to the country''s security, "it is amazing that one ofhis cabinet colleagues (Railway minister Mamata Banerjee)herself is aligning with the Maoists."

The CPI(M) leader said it was a "peculiar charge" thatthe CPI(M) was instigating violence in West Bengal.

How can it be substantiated when we have lost 370 comradesin violence since the last Lok Sabha election. We want theviolence to stop and those perpetrating it brought to book, headded.