Buddhadeb not planning to quit: CPM

NEW DELHI: Absence of West Bengal
chief minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee and Kerala state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan dominated CPM’s politburo
more than the discussion on rectification document and the current political situation.

Party sources said rumours of Buddhadeb planning to step down was a figment of imagination. “He has not been keeping well. Doctors have advised him rest,” West Bengal state secretary Biman Bose said.

“Buddhadeb has been down with viral fever which has relapsed. Problem is that he is not taking off. Even the party has advised him to take rest,” another leader said. He is now likely to go to a hill station in the state for three-four days. “There is no question of any leadership change,” the leader added. The party said Buddhadeb would attend the next politburo meeting scheduled on October 10 and central committee meeting from October 23 to 25.

The larger issue, party sources said, was the relentless attack on CPM cadre in West Bengal. Bose presented a detailed report on violence in the state and steps being taken by the party. “The spree of killings by the Trinamool and Maoists have not stopped after the Lok Sabha elections. In the Lalgarh area, the Maoists continue to indulge in targeted killings of CPM cadres and supporters,” the party said.