CPM slams Deb's remark

TT, Siliguri, Aug. 5: The Darjeeling district CPM secretary today said Gautam Deb's comment that "there will be major changes in Siliguri Municipal Corporation and the Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad" betrayed Trinamul's frustration after the ruling party had faced back-to-back defeats here.

"It is unbecoming for any political leader to make such irresponsible comments on the SMC and the SMP. Deb is also a minister and we consider his comments as childish. These are the manifestations of Trinamul's frustration as the party has faced defeats in three consecutive polls in Siliguri in the past one year. We condemn Trinamul's unethical means to grab power and will organise a rally here on August 8 in protest," said Jibesh Sarkar, the Darjeeling district CPM secretary.

Mayor Asok Bhattacharya said although he didn't know what plans Deb had to overthrow the CPM from power at the SMC and the SMP, the minister should first try to ensure that all 17 Trinamul councillors at the civic body were with him. "Deb should understand that it is not a cattle market where he can buy any number of cattle," said the mayor.

Tapas Sarkar, the sabhadhipati of the SMP, said: "We will complete our five-year tenure at the SMP. If a conspiracy is hatched to topple the board through unethical means, we will hit the streets and launch a movement."