Mamata, Chidambaram Advocate Different Line on Naxals

On manner of dealing Naxalism, differences has sprung up within the United Progressive Alliance government, reported CNN-IBN.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram has urged a hard stand against the Naxals, while Trinamool Congress chief and Railway Minister Mamata Banerjee wants a soft line on the rebels, said report.

She insists that President Pratibha Patil’s speech to parliament at the start of the Budget session should not strongly slam violence by the Naxals, report said.

Report said citing sources that the Centre decided on going slow on flaying Naxal violence, particularly in West Bengal, due to pressure from Trinamool chief.

Mamata, instead, wants state government to be held responsible for the violence, report said.

Centre is likely to insist under her pressure that the state government should do more to control Naxals and economic development is one of the solutions being offered, said report.