The Bharatiya Janata Party has suffered a major setback in West Bengal. Former Union Minister and former BJP MP Babul Supriyo formally joined Trinamool Congress (TMC) today. Supriyo had recently quit the BJP after the Union Cabinet reshuffle. He also announced his retirement from politics. He was given the membership of TMC by the party’s national general secretary and Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee. MP Derek O’Brien was also present during this.
Also read: “Alvida”: BJP MP Babul Supriyo quits politics days after getting removed as Union Minister
TMC’s Kunal Ghosh on Babul Supriyo joining TMS said, “Many BJP leaders are in touch with TMC leadership. They are not satisfied with the BJP. One (Babul Supriyo) joined today, the other wants to join tomorrow. This process will continue. Wait and keep watching.”
My decision to quit politics is wrong and emotional
After resigning, Babul Supriyo has said that Babul is feeling proud to come to TMC. He said, “When I said that I would quit politics, I meant it from my heart. However, I felt that a huge opportunity had been entrusted to me (on joining TMC). All my friends said that my decision to quit politics was wrong and emotional.
He said, “I am very proud that I am changing my decision. I am coming back for the great opportunity to serve Bengal. I am very excited. I will meet Didi (CM Mamata Banerjee) on Monday. Overwhelmed by the warm welcome.” She further added, “Didi and Abhishek have given me a great opportunity. Since I have joined TMC, there is no point in continuing on my seat in Asansol. I have entered politics because of Asansol. I will try my best for that constituency.
The day after he took everyone by surprise by announcing he would quit politics on Facebook, Babul Supriyo had said that he had met top BJP leaders, but he was yet to take any decision on his next course of action. Asansol MP told a TV channel that what I do in future, only time will tell. Supriyo had indicated that the decision to resign was partly due to his loss of ministerial berth and differences with the BJP’s West Bengal unit leadership.