The buzz is ~ Asok may lose this time

The buzz is ~ Asok may lose this time

21 April 2011

manas ranjan banerjee
SILIGURI, 21 APRIL: The buzz in and around Siliguri now is that the CPI-M strongman in north Bengal, Mr Asok Bhattacharya, may lose in the election battle this time. Unbelievable it may sound to the sympathisers of Mr Bhattacharya, but the post-poll discussions in the area indicates the trend.
A large number of people is anticipating that many, including the traders' community, have betrayed the CPI-M candidate from Siliguri despite his immense contributions over the past 20 years. “People have cast their votes silently in favour of the Opposition alliance, led by Trinamul chief Miss Mamata Banerjee,” said many people. 
“We are expecting a photo finish in the Siliguri Assembly constituency,” said a small trader in Vivekananda mini market in Siliguri. “Asokda may win the seat if the beneficiaries do not betray him,” he added. CPI-M leaders were worried about a whisper-campaign during the election demonstrations. It was campaigned that being an MLA Mr Bhattacharya would not able to do anything when the Trinamul Congress-led government would rule the state.
The state urban development minister had to point out the matter and said: “An odd campaigning is going on against me. If I become an MLA I would be a minister. There is no possibility that the Opposition will come to power in the state.”
But practicality, according to the critics in Siliguri-Jalpaiguri area, people have cast their votes for a change of regime in the state. They said: “Though Mr Bhattacharya was labelled as 'Asok Agarwal' for his closeness with the business community, they also have gone against the CPI-M candidate anticipating wave of change just to keep a close relation with the Trinamul Congress leaders if they come to power.” 
The Trinamul candidate from Siliguri, Mr Rudranath Bhattacharya, said: “People have cast votes silently in favour of the wave of change. Being a candidate I have done nothing but people came forward only for Mamata Banerjee. Voters wanted to make the state free from mayhem.” 
Brushing aside all speculations, CPI-M leader Mr Jibesh Sarkar said: “He would win the seat. The margin may be reduced compared to last Assembly election.”