BJP bypoll candidate says she is with TMC
In a dramatic twist, Ms Basu, however, claimed in the evening that she was not aware of her candidature.
Kolkata: Within 24 hours of fielding former Trinamul Congress MLA Manju Basu at the Noapara Assembly bypoll, the BJP replaced her with its Barrackpore district organisation president Sandeep Banerjee as the candidate.
On Sunday morning, the BJP declared Ms Basu as its candidate. According to sources, BJP leader Mukul Roy played a role in her candidature.
In a dramatic twist, Ms Basu, however, claimed in the evening that she was not aware of her candidature.
“I do not know about my name in the BJP candidate list. You informed me. I am surprised to hear it. An offer can come from any side. But it is my prerogative to accept it or reject. I have been blessed by Trinamul Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee since 2000 after my husband was murdered,” she told the media.
Ms Basu said, “She is always there above my head. I was with her, I am with her and I will always be. She will do whatever she thinks right.”
Her stand forced the BJP to change its mind. On Monday, the BJP announced Mr Banerjee’s name. According to party insiders, Mr Banerjee is known to be a follower of state BJP president and party MLA of Kharagpur Dilip Ghosh.
Mr Ghosh said, “We forwarded a list of names to the party’s central leadership which selected the candidate it thought as the suitable.”
He, however, added that an effort was taken to rope in Ms Basu to the BJP from the Trinamul like the ruling party does.
“Everything is fair in politics. If she has not joined us today, tomorrow she may do,” he argued.
Mr Banerjee said, “It is the largest political party. The incident should not have happened whatever the reason may be.” Mr Roy alleged that Ms Basu disagreed after she faced threat from the Trinamul.
At a rally he claimed, “Ms Basu told me she would not stay in the party of those who killed my husband. She spoke to Kailash Vijayvargiyaji and she gave her consent to be the candidate. She however had to change her stand due to the pressure.”
Trinamul Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee bantered Mr Roy for his effort in futility.
Describing him as ‘Kanchraparar Babu’ he said, “He cannot do anything by gimmick. He should focus on building organisation. Before doing anything in Bengal, he must prove his worth in the party he joined.”