Maoists are terrorists, says Centre

The Maoists are terrorists, said the Centre just hours after the West Bengal government refused to ban them.

"There's a distinction between the government and the Left Front. I reiterate that West Bengal government should ban them," Union Home Minister P Chidambaram said.

The Left doesn't agree and insist a ban will not help.

"The Maoists must be combatted politically and administratively. The political struggle against them is important because we have to isolate them from any section of people they have started mobilising. Banning the Maoists does not solve any purpose," CPM general secretary Prakash Karat said.

Interestingly just two days back the West Bengal Chief Minister, after a meeting with the Home Minister, had said that he was thinking of banning the Maoists so was he overruled by his party.

The Centre's decision on Monday will create a standoff with the Left, but what about their own ally -- the Trinamool?

There are reports that Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee has complained that the Centre is not consulting TMC on Lalgarh. So, is it going to affect the UPA-Trinamool alliance?

"No, not a problem. It will not affect alliance. We will discuss with Mamata," Pranab said.

As the politics continues, the Centre has issued a fresh advisory especially to West Bengal warning of fresh Maoist attacks.