While West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee has resolved to take on the Maoists with the backing of his party, there is a muted concern among sections of the CPM over the collateral damage the offensive may bring, especially at a time when the Left as a force is losing its grip in the state and Assembly elections are approaching.

Although the CPM is united in arguing that the Maoists must be dealt with firmly, the party is worried about the growing perception that the state is slipping into anarchy. The dilemma is also over whether to go hard at the Maoist sympathisers, especially the intellectuals and tribals, as this could spawn discontent that could cost the Left dearly. The party and its government, many leaders agree, are caught between the devil and deep sea.

The CPM is under tremendous pressure from its cadres on the ground who are being attacked by the Maoists on a regular basis. “They want the government to go hard at the Maoists and their demand is in a way legitimate. But the state government will have to be extra careful. The Maoists and the Trinamool workers will pounce upon us if there is any incident of targeting of innocents,” a senior CPM leader said.

“The action against Maoists has to be very effective. But in the name of action, if we fall into the trap of the Maoists and hurt people who are innocent, that will be unfortunate,” CPM Central Committee member Nilotpal Basu said. Sources said the party has advised the Bhattacharjee government to tread cautiously.

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