Kolkata: After Trinamul Congress MLA Monirul Islam's entry into the BJP, daggers are out again within the saffron camp against another high-profile induction: Sovan Chatterjee from chief minister Mamata Banerjee's party, leaving its state leadership in a tight spot.
Unlike the case of the Labhpur MLA who was red-flagged by the RSS over his minority face and fierce stand against the BJP, the dissent over the Behala East MLA is however about his close friend Baishakhi Banerjee who also joined the saffron party with him not even a month ago.
What has exposed the discontent in the BJP before the public was controversial comments of its leader Joy Banerjee. Addressing a rally in Burdwan East on Sunday evening, he not only objected Ms Banerjee's inclusion into the BJP but also accused her of stalling the induction of two-time MLA of Raidighi: Deboshree Roy of the Trinamul.
Questioning the college professor's friendship status with the former Kolkata mayor, the actor-turned state BJP culture cell leader called for Ms Roy's entry into the party even at the cost of Mr Chatterjee and his friend.
He said, "Mr Chatterjee, the former mayor and minister with many portfolios, was very close to the chief minister.
Mr Banerjee noted, "Along with him a newcomer: Baishakhi Banerjee, having no political idea and experience also came to our party. What condition has she set? Ms Roy should not be inducted in the BJP. She was the heroine of my first movie: Aparupa. She was called 'Glamour Queen’.”
He told the rally, "All of you are impressed with her acting. Her face is familiar to the people of Bengal. I want to tell our state and central leadership clearly: Please induct Ms Roy in our party. As a result if Ms Banerjee leaves the party, let her go. Bengal is a land of love but not a place of extra marital relationship."
Mr Banerjee added, "People of Bengal would not accept anyone, despite being married, to roam with another's husband. That is why I welcome Ms Roy in BJP. For that if we have to lose Ms Banerjee and Mr Chatterjee, we are ready for it too." Ms Banerjee shot back to him strongly on Monday.
