TMC fields Mukul’s son in civic polls again

TMC sources pointed out that party supremo Mamata Banerjee had kept doors open for Subhrangshu even as her relation with Mukul Roy sharply deteriorated.

Subhrangshu Roy, son of former Railway Minister Mukul Roy, on Monday filed his nomination as the Trinamool Congress candidate from Ward No. 6 of the Bhatpara-Kanchrapara municipality. The development has triggered yet another round of discussion within the TMC about Roy family’s position in the party’s scheme of things and also whether father and son have parted political ways.

Subhrangshu is a sitting councillor from the ward and also an MLA from the Bijpur constituency in North 24 Parganas. Arjun Singh, a TMC strongman and an MLA from Bhatpara, is known to be an arch rival of Mukul Roy and his son. Reacting to the development, he said, “It shows that the son is trying to move out of the shadow of his father.” Asked to comment on Arjun Singh’s remarks, Subhrangshu said,“I can only say that an adult person is not bound to marry a girl of his father’s choice. It does not always happen.”

TMC sources pointed out that party supremo Mamata Banerjee had kept doors open for Subhrangshu even as her relation with Mukul Roy sharply deteriorated. Party sources said Mamata does not want Mukul’s supporters to sabotage TMC’s chances in the Kanchrapara region, which is considered Mukul’s bastion. So, the TMC had been soft pedalling with Subhrangshu for a while. He was also seen touching Mamata’s feet at the Bengal assembly.

A TMC leader said, “Didi does not want to antagonize anyone. By agreeing to give Subhrangshu a nomination, she will ensure that no “sabotage” is done to the party’s prospects in the Bhatpara-Kanchrapara municipality.” When contacted, Mukul said,“I would not comment on any party matters.”

The estranged relation between Mukul Roy and Mamata Banerjee is out in the open now. Political circles in Kolkata believe that Roy has been talking to BJP leaders in Delhi. It is learnt that if he gets a clean chit in the CBI case against Saradha, his entry into BJP will become smooth.

Source:: Indian Express