Following the recent lynching of a Maoist leader in Lalgarh by local villagers, the CPM claims that its prospects have been bolstered in the area and that the party is all set for a comeback.

“The people of Lalgarh have understood that Maoists are not a solution to their problem, instead they are the problem. The tribals have started to rise against them and the recent incidents point towards this fact. We have already initiated re-grouping of our cadres in the area and strengthening our base,” said Deepak Sarkar, CPM district secretary in West Midnapore.

In a recent meeting held in Midnapore town, the district CPM chalked out a plan for rejuvenating the party’s prospects in Lalgarh. They deliberated on the idea of pushing back cadres and leaders, who were driven out of their homes in Lalgarh, back in the area.

According to party sources, CPM plans to regroup its cadres at the grassroots level and then ask party leaders to re-enter Lalgarh. Even as attempts are being made to reopen the party’s offices in the area, the CPM took out a massive rally in Lalgarh in a show of strength.

The Maoists’ onslaught over the last two years has dented the party — over a 1,000 cadres and functionaries were driven out of their homes, the party’s local and zonal committee offices, including branch committee offices, were shut down for months or ransacked.

The security forces, meanwhile, have also stepped up efforts to flush out Maoists.

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