Maoist backers in Bengal poll fray

KOLKATA: Maoists who denounce politics are planning to field 'sympathisers' in the July panchayat elections in West Bengal's Jangalmahal district, according to an intelligence source. The sympathisers will be fielded as independent candidates in certain pockets of Jangalmahal. If some of them win, they may try to work as per directives of the Maoists while carrying out 'development work'.

By getting well-wishers to contest the rural polls, Maoists plan to strengthen their base in pockets of Jangalmahal. Recently, some key Maoist leaders from Jharkhand held a meeting at Kharagpur, in West Midnapore district, attended by sympathisers from the area. The source said that the meeting was to identify close supporters who may be ready to contest the local elections.

Maoist sympathisers may contest in Baghmundi, Bandwan, Jhalda, Begunkodor and Ayodhaya Hills in Purulia district and Lalgarh, Salboni and Belpahari in West Midnapore district. In Bankura, Maoists plan to field candidates at Barikul and other pockets.

Based on intelligence inputs, the police of West Midnapore, Purulia and Bankura have urged the state to seal the borders with Jharkhand, Bihar and Odisha to block Maoists entry before the local elections.

Filing nominations for the first two rounds of rural polls, on July 2 and 6, have started.

"We will know the details about independent candidates after the last dates for scrutiny and withdrawal of papers", said a senior official of the state election commission.