Trinamul rebel's Independent plan

TT, Siliguri, March 27: Trinamul's Gautam Kirtania has decided to contest as an Independent from the Matigara-Naxalbari Assembly segment to protest the selection of party candidate for the seat, Amar Sinha.

"I will contest as an Independent. A section of leaders in Matigara and Naxalbari has wrongly briefed our district leaders, who unfortunately bought their theory and selected Amar Sinha for Matigara-Naxalbari. Workers in the grassroots are not ready to accept him and have raised their voices," Kirtania said.

He, however, added that last-minute changes were difficult. "At this point, it is tough for the district leaders to change the candidate. ... It is too late and the campaign has kicked off. Hence, I have decided to contest as an Independent."

Asked about the reason, Kirtania said: "There are certain issues which I cannot divulge openly as I am very much with Trinamul and have no intention of leaving the party. There is confusion about his Scheduled Caste status."

Matigara-Naxalbari is an SC seat.

District Trinamul leaders did not want to comment on the matter.