'My aim is to bring about change in Jangalmahal'

Speaking exclusively to Hindustan Times at the Jhargram SDO’s office, where he had gone to file his nomination papers, PCAPA leader Chhatradhar Mahato said that, after years of Left misrule, the time had come to hit back.

Chhatradhar Mahato, who was arrested for his links with the Maoists in October 2009, is confident of winning the assembly polls.

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Speaking exclusively to Hindustan Times on Tuesday at the Jhargram SDO’s office, where he had gone to file his nomination papers, the PCAPA leader said that, after years of Left misrule, the time had come to hit back.

“People of Lalgarh and Jangalmahal have not seen development for years. The CPI(M)-led government has been trying to crush our movement using violent means. The only way to stop their atrocities is to defeat them in the polls,” Mahato said. Despite being jailed, Mahato thinks that people will vote for him.

When asked if his decision to contest as an Independent would create a rift with Trinamool chief Mamata Banerjee, the PCAPA leader preferred to remain silent. “My aim is to defeat the CPI(M) and bring about a positive change in Jangalmahal,” he said.