TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh has accused the BJP-led government in West Bengal of selectively targeting legislators loyal to former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee amid the ongoing power tussle within the Trinamool Congress.
“Those who are with Mamata Banerjee – that is, with the TMC she founded – are being targeted through repression and suppression through involvement in old cases or other charges, while those on the other side are being released. People who support Mamata Banerjee are being arrested and harassed,” news agency ANI quoted Ghosh as saying.
Speaking to reporters, he also criticized CM Suvendu Adhikari over his allegations in the Taratala building collapse case. Adhikari had told the assembly on Thursday that the approved construction plan bears the signature of former Kolkata mayor and TMC leader Firhad Hakim.
Responding to the allegation, Ghosh questioned why the Prime Minister did not take action on those whose signatures appeared on the documents, alleging that only leaders perceived to be close to Mamata Banerjee were targeted.
“In the Taratala case, if the Prime Minister asks: ‘Let’s see who the signatures are there, why don’t you arrest them?’” Ghosh asked.
The aforementioned building collapsed a few days ago, killing 17 people and injuring a number of others.
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MLAs in the rebel camp meet with former councillors
The remarks came after a meeting held by the rebel MLA faction of the TMC, which claims to be the “real Trinamool”, with former party councilors in Kolkata.
Following the meeting, former TMC councilor Debalina Biswas said the meeting was held at the invitation of the newly formed party leadership, whose constitution was adopted on June 22.
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“The new governing council of the All India Trinamool Congress, which was formed on June 22, held a meeting today. I was invited as it was meant for former council members. The discussion centered on issues faced by former council members in their respective areas,” Biswas told reporters.
Another expelled TMC MLA, Sandipan Saha, another member of the rebel camp, claimed that a majority of the party’s MLAs and former councilors support the faction, asserting that it will determine the party’s future leadership.
“We held a meeting in Kolkata to strengthen our organisation. Kolkata Municipal Corporation councilors were present. We are the main opposition within the party, and most of the MLAs, along with former councilors and senior leaders, are with us. This shows who will lead the Trinamool Congress in the future,” Saha said.
Earlier this month, the rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee unveiled a new TMC leadership, appointing Arup Roy as chief and demanding the support of at least 58 MLAs. It also formed a 30-member National Action Committee, retaining Mamata as the party’s mentor.
(With PTI and ANI inputs)
