Bengal: Ex-minister Rajib Banerjee quits as TMC MLA ahead of Amit Shah’s visit

Precisely per week in the past, Banerjee had stepped down from his ministerial submit. Speculations have been rife at the moment that he could stop the ruling occasion to affix the BJP forward of the essential meeting elections

By HT Correspondent | Edited by Smriti Sinha

PUBLISHED ON JAN 29, 2021 02:22 PM IST

Former forest minister of West Bengal Rajib Banerjee resigned as Trinmaool Congress MLA on Friday forward of Union house minister Amit Shah’s two-day go to to West Bengal.

“Today, I have resigned as a TMC MLA. I have submitted my resignation to the Speaker of the West Bengal Legislative Assembly,” Banerjee informed media individuals.

Banerjee was seen carrying an image of TMC chief Mamata Banerjee whereas popping out of the meeting after submitting his resignation.

Precisely per week in the past, on January 22, Banerjee had stepped down from his ministerial submit. Speculations have been rife at the moment that he could stop the ruling occasion to affix the Bharatiya Janata Social gathering (BJP) forward of the essential meeting elections due in April-Might.

Additionally learn | Extra politicians more likely to be a part of BJP throughout Amit Shah’s 2-day go to to Bengal

“In a democratic situation, I cannot work alone without the banner of a large political party. I will let you know if I take any decision. But till now, I have just resigned as a minister and an MLA. I have not resigned from the TMC yet,” he stated when requested if he was becoming a member of the BJP throughout Shah’s go to.

Speculations have been, nonetheless, rife that he might stop the TMC by the top of the day .

High BJP have already stated that some political leaders are more likely to be a part of their occasion throughout Shah’s go to. Shah is scheduled to land in Kolkata on Friday and could be tenting within the state over the weekend for the occasion’s election marketing campaign.

Throughout Shah’s final go to to the state in December 2020, former TMC heavyweight and minister Suvendu Adhikari had joined the BJP.

“Some leaders enjoyed every privilege over the past few years and when elections are near, they express their disgruntlement. I would urge these leaders, who are joining another political party, to contest the polls from the same constituency. Let the voters decide the rest,” stated Kunal Ghosh, TMC spokesperson.

“Many leaders have repeatedly said that it is hard to continue in the TMC with respect and honour and that the party is heading towards the intensive care unit. These incidents (minister and MLAs deserting the party) just reflect the same,” stated BJP state unit vice-president Jai Prakash Majumdar.