'No reflection on defection': Mamata's TMC downplays Soumendu Adhikari & others' exit

Even as Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool faced yet another jolt ahead of the crucial West Bengal elections, party leaders are trying to play it down. TMC leader Madan Mitra, while speaking to news agency ANI on Saturday, said that anyone can leave the party but it will not affect the Trinamool workers. His reaction came a day after Soumendu Adhikari and 14 other TMC councillors joined BJP. Mitra said, “Anybody is welcome to leave. I don’t think there will be any reflection in our party for the defection of Soumendu. Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers are becoming more and more devoted to the party.”

WB BJP chief Dilip Ghosh takes a dig at Mamata Banerjee, alleges 'absence of democracy'

Soumendu moves Calcutta High Court

Taking action against the West Bengal government, Soumendu Adhikari on Thursday filed a petition before the Calcutta High Court challenging his removal from the post of administrator of Contai Municipality in Purba Medinipur district. Adhikari claimed that he has been illegally removed by the West Bengal government's Municipal Affairs Department from the post of administrator of the civic body. Adhikari was the chairman of Contai Municipality till the term of the board expired in 2019. He was then appointed as its administrator since elections were postponed owing to the COVID-19 pandemic situation. Senior lawyer Bikash Bhattacharya, representing Adhikari, said that the matter is likely to come up for hearing before a bench of the high court next week after it reopens after the winter vacation. On December 30, days after Suvendu Adhikari joined BJP, Bengal government removed his brother Soumendu Adhikari from the post of Chairperson of Contai Municipality and placed Siddhartha Maity at the position.

Suvendu Adhikari slams Prashant Kishor's I-PAC, CM Mamata & nephew sidelining TMC netas

Suvendu Adhikari joins BJP

On December 17, Suvendu Adhikari officially quit the Trinamool and joined BJP in presence of ex- BJP chief Amit Shah. In his letter after resignation, Adhikari blamed the sidelining of leaders and said that Mamata has betrayed the party ideals. He said that a "deep rot and malaise" has set in the party, and asserted that "individuals in charge of the party currently are treating it as their personal fiefdom." In an apparent dig at Prashant Kishor, who is the political strategist of TMC for 2021 polls, said that those who have no idea about the sacrifices of the party are being hired to assist the party.  Adhikari - the mastermind of 2007 Nandigram agitation - holds influence in about 35 assembly constituencies in West Midnapore, Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram and Birbhum districts. 

Suvendu Adhikari's Brother Soumendu Moves HC Against Bengal Govt; Hints At Joining BJP

West Bengal assembly elections

West Bengal assembly with 294 seats will go to polls in April-May 2021, Trinamool holds 222 seats. BJP has made major inroads in the state in the Lok Sabha elections winning 18 seats and establishing itself as the major opposition force in the state. Recently TMC trumped BJP in all 3 bypolls but the BJP is using its booth-level strategy, has placed its top leaders including Amit Shah and JP Nadda in the state for winning the upcoming elections.

On Trinamool Foundation Day, Suvendu Adhikari's Brother & '5000 Party Workers' To Join BJP