Mamata defends Lalgarh remark, doesn't rule out mediating with Maoists

New Delhi: It seems there is little the UPA government can do to keep a check on Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee.  In a major embarrassment to the government today, Mamata says she stands by her remarks on Maoists at the Lalgarh rally, where she called Maoist leader Azad's encounter a 'murder' and demanded that the government investigate it.

"Whatever I said in Lalgarh, I said that as Trinamool Congress chief and I stick to it. In a democratic set up, we always prefer an amicable settlement and we want all the people to come out to the national stream," said Ms Banerjee.

The RailwayMinister's comments on August 9 created a furore in Parliament, with a united Opposition taking on the government. But that does not seem to have deterred Mamata, who did not rule out mediating between the government and the Maoists.  "All politicians should visit Lalgarh. We have to support the cause of the people. Political colour may be different, ideology may be different. I cannot impose my opinion, they (Opposition) cannot impose their opinion."

She said she had heard about a Maoist offer for truce, but did not know the details. "I have listened to the 15th August speech of both the Prime Minister and the President and they also spoke on the same lines,  and if they have listened to the President's and the PM's speech, that is also good for the country."

The Railway Minister had held a public rally in Lalgarh, on August 9. Appealing to Maoists to give up violence, Mamata Banerjee had described Azad's killing in an encounter with security forces as 'murder' and even paid tribute to the Maoist leader. "I feel the way Azad was killed is not correct. Swami Agnivesh had made him agree to hold talks (with the government). What happened was not correct. I feel the process (for holding talks with the Maoists) should start. We pay respect to his soul from this meeting," she had said. (Read: The way Maoist leader Azad was killed not right, says Mamata)

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Maoist leader Koteshwar Rao better known as Kishenji on Tuesday offered a three-month conditional ceasefire for the initiation of a peace process. (Read: Maoists leader Kishenji calls for 3-month ceasefire)

Top among Kishenji's conditions are pulling out joint forces and an investigation into maoist leader said Azad's encounter. About reports that union minister Mamata Banerjee mediating talks, Kishanji said she is welcome.

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