‘Number of MPs, MLAs defecting to BJP presents dirty picture of Bengal’s political culture’: TMC’s Kalyan Banerjee
Talking to reporters, Banerjee alleged that the BJP manipulated the selection process for vacant posts in the Rajya Sabha to ensure the victory of its candidates.
“This is a new tactic adopted by the BJP. Their aim is to increase their power in both the Rajya Sabha and the Lok Sabha in every possible way. Three members resigned earlier. Koel Mallick did not resign with them. If all four had resigned together, the Rajya Sabha election for the four vacant posts would have been held simultaneously and the BJP would not have won. Therefore, the resignations took place in a staggered manner,” he said.
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“After today’s elections, Koel Mallick has been brought in because there is now a vacant position. This is a safe political strategy for the BJP. We know that he has met Bhupendra Yadav and will join the BJP. If someone chooses to leave their party and political ideology, it is their decision. West Bengal has long been respected across the country for its education, culture and political tradition. The state has sent many eminent parliamentarians to both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha,” Banerjee added.
Criticizing the defections in the party, the TMC MP stated that the change of allegiances presented a “dirty picture” of West Bengal’s political culture and took a sharp swipe at CM Suvendu Adhikari.
“These leaders were driven by loyalty to their party, loyalty to the people of West Bengal and courage to fight for their interests. Looking at West Bengal politics today, the number of MLAs and MLAs defecting to the BJP in the last two months reveals a dirty picture of the political culture of the state. It is up to the people of West Bengal to decide whether this is right or wrong. They will make the final decision. As for the 60 MPs who left, they are Suvendu. Adhikari’s ‘B team’, he added. According to sources, Koel on Thursday added Mallick met Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman CP Radhakrishnan and submitted his resignation.
Earlier, three prominent former MPs in the Upper House, Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev and Prakash Chik Baraik, had jumped ship and defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). They also got Rajya Sabha bypoll tickets from the BJP as the seats fell vacant.
On Wednesday, Former CM Mamata Banerjee’s close aide Madan Mitra joined the rebel group led by Opposition Leader Ritabrata Banerjee.
Meanwhile, the former CM asked the rebels who want to quit the TMC to do so before the July 21 Shaheed Diwas rally.
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In a video published on
The TMC chief said, “I saw an MP. I respect him. He had informed him through e-mail earlier. He met a BJP leader today. Those who are under pressure, please take any decision before July 21 Shaheed Diwas and go wherever you want. Our Constitution gives us the right to do whatever we want.”
“Those who left us are also in contact with us.”
