Chhatradhar with his family

LALGARH (JHARGRAM): A day after his release, Chhatradhar Mahato - who rallied to Lalgarh with people mostly associated with Trinamool Congress on Sunday after completing a 10-year sentence - was all praise for chief minister Mamata Banerjee for her development work in the area.

Though Mahato was non-committal about joining any party, TMC made it clear it is ready to accept the pro-Maoist leader, allowing a new political equation in Jangalmahal that could thwart BJP's recent upsurge in the region.

"I cannot express my feelings in words. I was cut off from the world for 10 years, but I always had a belief that I would get freedom one day," Mahato said. Asked whether he would join TMC, the former PCPA (People's Committee against Police Atrocities) leader said: "I cannot tell right now. Once I was in Trinamool, but after that I was working under a separate banner. Now, I am cut off from the party. I want to work for the people but before that I want to spend some days with my family."

TMC, however, is ready to accept Mahato. TMC Jhargram district president Birbaha Soren told TOI: "Chhatradhar has always worked for the people and so he is always welcome in the party. His inclusion will enrich the party."

Mahato, who reached Lodhashuli at 1.20pm, rallied to Lalgarh with more than 1,000 people around 3pm. He was received by wife Niyati, mother Bedanabala and sons Dhriti and Debi Prasad.

