Published 11:50 IST, December 15th 2020
Mamata's TMC reaches out to miffed Rajib Banerjee; expels Suvendu Adhikari's close aide
Taking its first action against miffed leaders, TMC also expelled general secretary of its East Midnapore unit, Kanishka Panda - an aide of Suvendu Adhikari
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As woes for ruling Trinamool Congress increase ahead of crucial West Bengal elections, on Sunday, party reached out to miffed neta Rajib Banerjee. Taking its first action against miffed leaders, TMC also expelled general secretary of its East Midnapore district unit, Kanishka Panda, who is an aide of heavyweight Suvendu Adhikari. A party leader told news ncy PTI that he was was expelled for alleged anti-party activities. Panda had reportedly made statements against Abhishek Banerjee, and had questioned way party was run by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
A defiant Panda, however, said that he feels relieved with party's decision as he had been under serious stress over past few days despite speaking truth. "I diligently served this party, which threw me out after all se years of working at grassroot-level. I remain on side of Suvendu Adhikari. We will continue to serve people," he told reporters. This comes as Suvendu Adhikari is all set to address ar 'apolitical' rally on Tuesday in Haldia.
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Rajib Banerjee miffed
TMC leader and West Bengal minister Rajib Banerjee had openly said that loyal party workers in TMC are being "overlooked". He later reiterated that those working in interest of people and hardworking are t getting due importance in Mamata Banerjee-ruled Trinamool Congress. Though Rajib maintained that he is with Trinamool Congress and has t quit state cabinet, he also said that he won't share with media wher he had any talks with party in recent times.
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Suvendu Adhikari vs Trinamool saga
In a big jolt to Mamata Banerjee and her party Trinamool Congress, Transport minister Suvendu Adhikari had resigned from cabinet post. A day earlier Adhikari had also resigned as Hooghly River Bridge Commission chairman. Senior leader and Coochbehar Dakshin MLA Mihir Goswami had also quit party & joined BJP last month.
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TMC MP Saugata Roy, after a series of meetings, said that Adhikari is t joining BJP and problem with him has been solved. Even as he met Adhikari along with poll strategist Prashant Kishor, TMC leader Sudip Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee, Adhikari later said that it is t possible for him to work for party. TMC n said that it will hold furr discussion with Suvendu Adhikari. It still remains to be seen if Suvendu, who holds influence in about 35 assembly constituencies in West Midnapore, Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram and Birbhum districts, will jump ship and join BJP or t.
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11:50 IST, December 15th 2020