Vijayawada:
Lalgarh has once again created a face-off between the CPM and the Trinamool Congress. On Monday, Mamata Banerjee holds a major rally in Lalgarh, which two years ago saw a pitched battle between the state and Maoists, and the Left, under pressure after Mamata's recent electoral gains, has dragged the Centre in, alleging Mamata and the Maoists of joining hands.
"Tomorrow in West Bengal at Lalgarh, the Trinamool Congress has announced a rally supported by the Maoists. This is virtually a joint collaboration between the two. We would like to know from the Centre, how do they view this development?" said Prakash Karat.
"The Home Minister has said many times that there is no collusion between Maoists and Trinamool. Tomorrow's rally is another proof," he added.
The Trinamool has countered these allegations by saying it is the CPM that's colluding with the Maoists.
"We feel that the joint forces in Maoist infested areas of West Bengal is only helping the CPM to capture areas with their armed cadres. We are opposed to this. We are not bothered about what Prakash Karat says. Mamta will clarify stand in Lalgarh," said Saugata Roy, Trinamool Congress leader.
Last week, she even alleged that a suicide squad of the CPM may target her at the rally, and the state government and the Centre would be responsible if such an attack takes place.
While the CPM and the Trinamool levelled charges against each other, the Congress came to the defence of its ally.
"It is ridiculous for Karat to say that. I don't think Mamata is doing a joint rally with Maoists. She had talked to me and invited me to join the rally. It's a peace rally," said Keshav Rao, Congress CWC in-charge of West Bengal.
But CPM's worry is much beyond the Maoist challenge. Lately in its 33 year rule in Bengal, the Left has consistently lost political ground to the Trinamool, something it is not used to.
"Defeats in elections are something natural. It happens in political parties. We have also lost elections earlier in West Bengal. That's why it's a new thing," said Prakash Karat.
Last year, CPM fared poorly both in Kerala and Bengal. Both states go to polls next year, but there's a huge difference. The Left knows that in Kerala while the regime changes every five years, in Bengal the Left has not lost an election in the past three decades. Will that change next year? That's the big worry.