West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has raised a pertinent question about the silence of Union Home Minster on Trinamool-Maoist nexus in the state. In his reply to P Chidambaram’s open communication, Bhattacharjee has reiterated that the role played by TMC by joining the Maoists and their outfits and now openly organizing public meetings was a dangerous development of which serious note should be taken. He said that there was clinching evidence of the encouragement and support that the Maoists were getting from Trinamool Congress. This was the crucial point which the Home minister has chosen to avoid in his reply to Chief Minister’s earlier letter.
The strange violation of norms started on 24th December when the media flashed a letter from Union Home Minister, purportedly addressed to Chief Minister. The letter finally reached in Chief Minister’s office three days later. The delay by the postal department was a lesser incident than the way a ‘secret’ letter was made public.
In his letter, Union Home Minister alleged that ‘armed cadres’ have taken law and order in their own hands, thereby questioning the role of security forces including Central Para Military forces. He also used the term “harmad”, indicating CPI(M) activists, a term normally used by Trinamool Congress and paranoid anti-Left media. The tone and tenor of the letter was blatantly political with distorted facts and figures about political violence in the state.
The Chief Minister was forced to publish his reply too though only after the Home Minister read it. In his reply, Bhattacharjee alleged that Chidambaram’s assessment was surprising. He outlined the Maoist activities in three districts and said that to contain it ‘administratively and politically’ is a major challenge. In this connection, Bhattacharjee drew attention to the nexus between TMC and Maoists, which has gradually become open. Chief Minister also strongly objected to use of the term”harmad” and described it as a ‘nasty’ word.
However, Chidambaram has showed his desperation with publicizing his reply again on 30th December. He sent two letters, both defending his earlier stand. He mentioned about ‘virtual collapse of law and order in parts of the state’ and emphasized that he did not feel the word ‘harmad’is objectionable per se. He, in a contemptuous manner, even asked Chief Minister to provide a suitable synonym for the word. But the Union Home Minister remained silent about the relationship between Maoists and an ally of UPA.
In a strong rebuff, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee pointed out that the deaths resulting from political clashes clearly showed that CPI(M) workers were killed in far greater numbers than TMC supporters. However, he deeply deplored all deaths in such clashes irrespective of their political affiliations. ‘In no way the violence is justified’, said Bhattacharjee while assuring that he was trying his best to put a stop to such violence. Chief Minister categorically alleged that TMC was not cooperating with the administration in this effort and the Union Home minister was fully aware of this.
Bhattacharjee deplored the attitude of Chidambaram and said, “I objected to the use of the ward “harmad” for obvious reasons. Unfortunately, you have proposed to replace it with any better word that I may suggest. I am sorry I cannot offer you any such word since I am unable to accept with your attitude towards Left Front workers in our State and also your observation regarding failure of law and order in certain areas.”
Following is the full text of Chief Minister’s letter on 30th December,2010.
Dear Shri Chidambaram,
I wanted not to open all our correspondences before media but to discuss with you the problems when I meet you in Delhi. Bust as you have already released the correspondence between us to media. I feel compelled to write further on the issues raised by you.
I have noted the reasons behind late arrival of your letter in my office but I cannot accept the deliberate leakage of letters to the Press. I objected to the use of the ward “harmad” for obvious reasons. Unfortunately, you have proposed to replace it with any better word that I may suggest. I am sorry I cannot offer you any such word since I am unable to accept with your attitude towards Left Front workers in our State and also your observation regarding failure of law and order in certain areas.
While I share your anxiety on the found situation in Maoist affected areas, I again assure you that our policy is to take appropriate administrative steps against all armed groups who may try to disturb law and order.
The role being played by TMC by joining the Maoists and their outfits and now openly organizing public meetings is a dangerous development of which serious note should be taken by your Ministry. You are aware that there are clinching evidence of the encouragement and support that the Maoists are getting from Trinamool Congress. Unfortunately you have chosen not to mention this problem in your letter.
The deaths resulting from political clashes clearly show that CPI(M) workers were killed in far greater numbers than TMC supporters. I deeply deplore all deaths in such clashes irrespective of their political affiliations. In no way the violence is justified. I am trying my best to put a stop to such violence. Unfortunately, TMC is not cooperating with the administration in this effort and you are fully aware of this.
I conclude here by saying once again that I will try to go to Delhi as early as possible to meet you and discuss all the related issues.
With regards,
Yours sincerely
Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee
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