Maoists in poll strategy shift, field candidates

The Maoists have decided to field sympathizers as independent candidates in the forthcoming panchayat polls, in a significant shift from their earlier stance of not taking part in electoral politics.  Sources said that the Maoists' strategy shift was necessitated by their effort to penetrate the local-level administrative bodies so that they could become a part of policy-making. According to intelligence reports, some individuals once considered "close" to the Maoists but who never got directly involved with the movement might contest the panchayat polls. 

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