Thaindian News

Kolkata, April 19 (IANS) Chhatradhar Mahato, the jailed convenor of a pro-Maoist tribal body, Tuesday filed his nomination as an independent candidate from the Maoist hotbed of Jhargram constituency in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district.

Chhatradhar is the founder and convenor of the People’s Committee Against Police Atrocities (PCAPA) and is lodged in Midnapore Central Jail after being arrested in October 2009. He arrived at the Jhargram sub-divisional officer’s office to file his nomination, his counsel Kaushik Sinha said.

Jhargram, around 160 km west of Kolkata, will go to polls May 10, the last of the six phases of the ongoing assembly polls.

Chhatradhar has been charged in several cases, including of murder and waging war against nation under provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA).

“After filing his papers, Chhatradhar said that he has faith in the democratic system and that is why he is contesting the elections,” said Sinha.

Speaking to mediapersons, Chhatradhar said: “I spearheaded the movement in Lalgarh to protest against the atrocities on the tribal people, who are being deprived of development work.

“I want to raise all these issues in the state assembly after being elected. I want to fight for the cause of the tribals and they will extend their support to me.”

“I also appeal to the intellectuals and members of the human right bodies, who came from city and extended their support during the Lalgarh movement, to lend their support for me this time too. I will request them to canvas and hold rallies for me as I will not be able to do the same from inside the correctional home,” he added.

Sinha said: “Chhatradhar has also appealed to the Election Commission to take all necessary arrangement so that intellectuals and his supporters can hold the election campaign uninterruptedly. He also assured the commission that his supporters will abide by the model code of conduct.”

In his affidavit, Chhatradhar said he owns farmland worth Rs.70,000 and has a bank deposit of Rs.500 and two insurance policies amounting to Rs.75,000. His wife has Rs.10,500 cash in hand and gold jewellery worth Rs.20,000.