CPM, Cong bases show erosion signs as many join Opp

Statesman News Service

MALDA, 20 JULY: The CPI-M and Congress support bases are showing signs of erosion in favour of the Trinamul at Malda.

The trend is also attracting those allegedly thrown out of their organisations and others with shady background.

The situation has posed a problem for the Trinamul leadership. It can neither afford to accept all on the beeline nor turn them down for political reasons. The situation has caused a division of opinion in the Trinamul Congress leadership in Malda.

Speaking on the matter, a Trinamul leader, Mrs Chaitali Sarkar, said: “The problem is, some people with criminal background are expressing willingness to join the Trinamul understandably for political shelter and to save themselves from police.

We need to filter them before accepting all those are applying to join the party.”

The Trinamul Congress state joint secretary, Mr Dulal Sarkar, said: “A notorious criminal and his associates recently met and approached me to join the Trinamul Congress.

When I asked him, he admitted that both the CPI-M and the Congress protected them from police. They were now eager to join the Trinamul to save themselves from police.”

It was learnt that one Mohammad Saharul, a notorious criminal in the police records, has already joined the Trinamul Congress and opened its office in the Kaliachak area.

The Trinamul Congress district president, Mr Goutam Chakraborty said: “We have not accepted him in the party till date. He has been asked to rectify himself.”