In a positive development a day ahead of Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee’s visit to Midnapore to give a healing touch to the Naxal-hit areas, the People’s Committee against Police Atrocities (PCAPA) of Lalgarh today said the CM should visit villages in the affected districts and it was ready to welcome him if he is coming with a message of development.

The chief minister is visiting Midnapore tomorrow and on Sunday, he is scheduled to address a rally at Debra near Midnapore town, which was a Naxal heartland in the’60s and ‘70s. In Midnapore, the CM is expected to review development and law and order in the three Naxal-hit districts of West Midnapore, Bankura and Purulia and announce a slew of projects.

“We will welcome him if he comes here with a message of development. While we know he has the 2011 elections in mind, we are fine with it because we also want development. But instead of coming here, he is going to Midnapore and will be fed with what officials tell him. That is ridiculous,” PCAPA convenor Asit Mahato told The Indian Express over telephone from Lalgarh.

Meanwhile, security has been stepped up following recovery of two rocket launchers and arms and ammunition at Sarenga in Bankura district today.

The chief minister will be accompanied by Chief Secretary Asok Mohan Chakrabarti, Home Secretary Ardhendu Den, DGP Bhupinder Singh and his principal secretary Subesh Das.

Bhattacharjee’s agenda during the visit includes the NREGS, old-age pension and scholarship, expanding PMGSY, ICDES, school education and mid-day meal, minor irrigation and water resources, expediting household survey for distribution of BPL cards, rural electrification, setting up of more hospitals and healthcare centres, tubewells and forming more self-help groups.

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