• The impact of banning the Maoists may well be limited as they can resurface through a simple name change. However, one can note the Left Front’s dual standards through its calls for a ban on Bajrang Dal.

However, there is an element of truth in the words of Prakash Karat — that the Maoists need to be countered politically, administratively and strategically. However, this may only happen after law and order is restored in the affected areas.

— Raghu Seshadri

Chennai

Within limits

• Mamata Banerjee is at it again. The communists are down but not out, and will not call it a day just because of her histrionics. In fact, they may be able to regain lost ground because of her legendary volatility and impulsiveness. Despite West Bengal being her home state, Banerjee needs to operate within the parameters of the Union government. But she does have every right to play an active role in state politics; only, this needs to take place within limits.

— Hema Langeri

Hoshiarpur

Soul searching

• The CPM is yet to introspect and realise that its own malpractices has made its government authoritarian but ineffective. All these years, the CPM has not given the Left Front government an opportunity to run the Bengal administration. In fact, the Left fails to realise that not only does it stand in the way of economic growth but also some of the views it espouses are dangerous for India. It was the Left’s unwillingness to tackle the Maoists in Bengal and allow the rule of law that encouraged the Maoists.

... contd.