Miffed with TMC, Suvendu Adhikari quits as chief of state-run Hooghly river bridge body

In yet ar setback for Trinamool, West Bengal Transport Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Thursday, resigned as Hooghly River Bridge Commission chairman, hinting at his exit from party. Adhikari's transport department has replaced him with Mamata loyalist - TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee. Adhikari - who holds influence in about 35 assembly constituencies in West Midnapore, Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram and Birbhum districts has been creating rumours for past few months by holding rallies t under Trinamool flag or its supremo - Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's posters, and has skipped cabinet meetings.

Mamata Banerjee anunces health scheme for all in WB

Adhikari quits from state body

Adhikari's resignation comes a day after CM Mamata Banerjee ackwledged " TMC will rectify if some mistakes have been committed. re can be misunderstanding or someone may be angry with some individuals, but please don't misunderstand party for that. Some have grievances over who will act as party observer of which district, but I am party's observer for entire state. If someone thinks that Didi is t aware of ir activities, n y are wrong. I am aware of everything." Hooghly River Bridge Commission is a statutory body under West Bengal Transport Department.

TMC heavyweight Suvendu Adhikari says 'still part of Trinamool', amid rumours of quitting

On Tuesday, Adhikari yet again held a march in Nandigram area in East Midnapore district without party banner, paying respects to people who died during Nandigram anti-land acquisition agitation. Adhikari, who was a pivotal part of Nandigram land movement in 2007, which helped Mamata Banerjee seize power from CPI(M), has assured,"“I am still an active primary member of party. I am still a minister and part of cabinet. Neir has chief minister sacked me, r have I quit on my own." 

Mamata's Trinamool uneasy as heavyweight Suvendu Adhikari holds march without party flag

What happened between Adhikari & Trinamool?

Last Tuesday, while addressing a rally to mark 'Nandigram Diwas', Adhikari lashed out saying, "After 13 years, a few people are w coming here as elections are approaching. I want to tell m if y are coming before polls, y will have to come after elections too". rally held to pay respect to martyrs of Bhumi Uchhed Pratirodh Committee (BUPC), did t have posters of Banerjee or TMC flags. With six TMC MLAs on-st with Adhikari, he added, "Whatever I will have to say regarding my next course of action, I will say from a political platform. I will say everything but t from this pious st."

Mamata's mess to miffed Suvendu Adhikari: 'Don't misunderstand TMC, I am still here'

Retorting to Adhikari's veiled threats, TMC MLAs - Firhad Hakim and party MP Dola Sen blamed Adhikari for 'strengning BJP', without mentioning him. Meanwhile, Prashant Kishor, who has been roped by Mamata Banerjee for her re-elction bid, visited Adhikari's East Midnapore residence and spoke to his far, TMC MP Sisir Adhikari. He wanted to meet Suvendu Adhikari but could t meet him as he was t at house n. Trinamool has also delegated two senior MPs - including Sougata Roy to be in regular touch with Adhikari and pacify his demands. Both Congress and BJP are awaiting Adhikari's next move as West Bengal goes to polls in April-May 2021, where Mamata Banerjee eyes a third consecutive term.