J'khand Cong under Maoists threat

RANCHI: Even as the Congress leadership finds itself in a Catch-22 situation over the Maoist threat to party supporters, the Congress MLA from Daltonganj has threatened to stage a fast in front of Raj Bhavan if the government fails to provide security to them.

Daltonganj MLA KN Tripathi told ET that he and his aides were being intimidated by Maoists. “As a result, we are finding it difficult to carry out our activities in the area,” he said.

Mr Tripathi's reaction came following the en masse resignations of 21 office-bearers in Bhandariya block, which falls under Mr Tripathi's constituency. The resignations were an outcome of killing of a Congress leader last week.
“We have apprised governor MOH Farook and his advisors about the prevailing sense of fear among Congressmen. But no action has been taken, which is a matter of great concern,” he added.

The fresh development comes in the wake of increasing incidents of Maoist attack on Congressmen. Maoists, as reported earlier, have warned Congress leaders to quit, as they hold the party responsible for waging war against them through Operation Green Hunt.

So far, the Maoists have killed three Congress leaders, including two block presidents while over 100 party office-bearers have resigned out of fear.

Amidst the grim scenario, state Congress president Pradeep Kumar Balmuchu and AICC incharge K Keshava Rao met party president Sonia Gandhi on Thursday and apprised her of the situation.

Mr Balmuchu told ET that he has submitted a report on the issue, prepared by a committee headed by former MLA Radha Krishna Kishore, to the party president.

“She gave a patient hearing and assured us of all possible support,” Mr Balmuchu said.
Mr Balmuchu also informed the Congress president that party's membership drive was hit due to the Maoist threat as nobody wants to join the organisation, especially in Naxal areas.

Eighteen out of 24 districts are Naxal-affected. He maintained that it was an unfortunate situation and will have far-reaching impact not only on the Congress but also on the overall democratic fabric.