Kolkata: Soon after her party MLA and close aide Sovan Chatterjee’s defection to the BJP, Trinamul Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday evening took a dig at him amidst speculation about two more Trinamul MLAs: Sabyasachi Dutta and Debashree Roy following the footsteps of the former Kolkata mayor.
Without taking Mr Chatterjee’s name, Ms Banerjee pointed out during an event in Behala on the eve of the Independence Day that those who have been in politics should have responsibility towards society, family and democracy. Surprisingly, the Trinamul is yet to declare any strong step against him like it had done in case of Bijpur MLA and BJP leader Mukul Roy’s son Shubhrangshu Roy when he joined the BJP recently.
“Some people have to celebrate such occasions (read Independence Day). Some people have to wear masks to cover their face. We certainly honour Chhou dancers. Performing dance while wearing masks is their skill and creativity,” she said in an oblique reference to Mr Chatterjee who is an MLA of Behala East.
The chief minister observed, “That is why they are revered as Chhou artists. But that is a profession also. Do not forget that those of us who are in politics have greater responsibilty towards the society.”
Later at another rally in Hazra More where Mr Chatterjee’s estranged wife Ratna was also present, the Trinamul chief offered moral support to her.
“I am asking Parthada to engage Ratna in party activities. Please do not be in pain. You have your family, in-laws and parents also. The Trinamul family is with you also,” she told Ms Chatterjee.
Meanwhile, many Trinamul leaders have questioned the silence of the party leadership on not taking any action against Sovan Chatterjee, sources disclosed.
What however came as a surprise to the Trinamul leadership was the presence of Debashree Roy, the actor-turned two-time MLA of Raidighi in the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. Although she was scheduled to join the Bharatiya Janata Party, sources claimed that she has been kept in waiting following vehement opposition by Mr Chatterjee.
