New Delhi: Under fire in Lalgarh, the CPM is protesting in Delhi, demanding protection of their cadre. The CPM activists have gathered in the Capital to protest against the killing of their cadre in Lalgarh. But it has learnt one important lesson from Nandigram to keep its Left allies in the loop.
Two years ago, it managed to alienate not just its voters, but the Forward Bloc, RSP and the CPI.
Says CPI leader D Raja: "We are showing restraint this time because there are lots of tribal and other villagers in the area. In the past we thought some decisions were taken unilaterally, but everyone learns so have we."
RSP leader Abani Roy says: "Yes, the Left parties have met with each other on this and discussed."
But the CPM has a bigger political battle: To retain West Bengal in the 2011 assembly elections. Its main opponents are the Trinamool and the Congress, both of whom the CPM accuses of supporting the Maoists.
Says CPM leader Brinda Karat: "The Opposition over there is playing opportunistic politics."
For the CPM, Lalgarh is not just a law and order issue but a political one. And that is why they are treading carefully.