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 innocent people are in any way targeted,” 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.

The CPM has also fast-tracked its efforts to “isolate” the Maoists politically, sources said. The idea is to wage a political campaign discrediting the Maoists as “murderers” and “extortionists” and rob them of their “ideological pretensions”. Efforts are also on to woo the tribals, among whom the Maoists have a significant base. The CPM’s youth wing DYFI has already begun efforts in this direction.