Mamata's former minister Rajib Banerjee resigns as WB MLA before purported TMC to BJP jump

Days after he resigned as Forest Minister in Mamata Banerjee's cabinet, TMC leader Rajib Banerjee on Friday has w resigned from post of Member of Legislative Assembly in West Bengal. Banerjee had earlier resigned from state cabinet expressing dissent against senior leaders in TMC. He had remarked that TMC leaders were t letting him 'work for people'. 

READ: Mamata's Cabinet Minister Rajib Banerjee Resigns From Post Days After Dissent; BJP Elated

TMC leader Rajib Banerjee resigns as MLA

Expressing dissent, Banerjee has also stated that senior leaders in Mamata Banerjee's TMC were t paying heed to his concerns. During a Facebook live session, he also highlighted his concerns over employment and education system in West Bengal. Later, during his address to media, Banerjee also claimed that he was being attacked personally in Trinamool. 

"I feel very bad when Youth is t getting jobs and education in West Bengal and cant support ir families. I was stopped to do work for people. When I was called by senior Party leaders earlier, I informed m about my displeasure but y have t yet heard. I have t been doing it just during times of election, even in past I have spoken against injustice." he said. 

"I have always tried to work for people of Bengal. If I am limited to one office it is t right and I learnt from TV channels about being removed from one post. ne of my aspirations are being realised and hence I am resigning from my cabinet post. But In last few months, it was a direct attack on me from Party members which is unbearable, at last I decide to speak to people who voted for me. I wish to do more work for Bengal. I won't make personal comments, I thank CM Mamata for this opportunity," said Rajib Banerjee in a choked voice. 

Suvendu Adhikari Says Mamata-led TMC Rigged 2018 Panchayat Polls: 'I Was re So I Kw'

Meanwhile, after Rajib Banerjee's decision, West Bengal BJP in-charge Kailash Vijayavargiya reacted and stated that he was t surprised by move. In addition, Vijayvargiya also claimed that several or TMC leaders will quit party ahead of state assembly elections. According to sources, Rajib Banerjee is set to join saffron party on January 30. TMC has suffered several jolts in recent days. Former TMC heavyweight Suvendu Adhikari along with 6 MLAs, 1 MP, and 16 or grassroots leaders had also joined BJP in Union Home Minister Amit Shah's presence. Mamata Banerjee is to hold a meeting of all Trinamool MPs and MLAs in coming days before Amit Shah's next visit, with all those who won't be able to make it re purportedly presumed to have defected, sources said.

West Bengal Assembly elections 

As West Bengal stares at crucial polls, BJP has claimed it'll win 200 seats, while Trinamool, via Prashant Kishor has contended that saffron party won't cross 99. state assembly with 294 seats will go to polls in April-May 2021, Trinamool holds 222 seats. 2019 Lok Sabha elections saw BJP making major inroads in state as y won 18 seats and established itself as major opposition force in state. Mamata Banerjee has anunced that she will contest polls from Nandigram,  place that paved way for her rule in state, and her ex-aide Suvendu Adhikari - who is w in BJP - has vowed to defeat her. 

READ: TMC Ex-min Rajib Banerjee Laments 'attacks On Him By Party'; May Join BJP On Jan 30