Crack in anti-Mamata forum

Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharyya

Sandip Chowdhury , TT,  Mar 13, 2018: Calcutta: Mamata Banerjee's political masterstroke of supporting Abhishek Manu Singhvi for Rajya Sabha elections has not only driven a wedge between the state Congress and the CPM but also affected Akranto Amra, an "apolitical" platform used by both the parties to attack her government.

For the first time in recent memory, the formidable partnership of Congress veteran Abdul Mannan and CPM leader Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharyya - forged years ago when their parties had no understanding of any nature - was not seen at a news conference of the civil society platform on Monday.

Former Calcutta mayor and senior advocate Bhattacharyya, who has represented Mannan pro bono in numerous court cases, was present, but Bengal's leader of the Opposition wasn't.

While Bhattacharyya did not respond to repeated calls, Mannan said he couldn't go because he was to be present in the Assembly to ensure seamless filing of nomination by Singhvi, the Congress high command's candidate for the Rajya Sabha polls from Bengal.

Abdul Mannan

"They didn't consult me (before scheduling the event). Why should I go on a day like this?" a miffed Mannan asked, although he was not seen accompanying Singhvi during the filing of his nomination for the March 23 elections.

Mannan was also absent from the Congress's news conference at the Assembly after the nomination process.

Sources in both the parties, however, admitted in private that the Mannan-Bikash partnership had taken a hit.

"She (Mamata) actually did this in two phases. First, she supported (Congress's) Pradip Bhattacharya for the Rajya Sabha in August last year, against Bikashda. Mannanda had no choice but to stand by the party's candidate," said a state Congress functionary.

Sources in the Congress said Mannan was "very upset" regarding the developments over the Rajya Sabha polls.

They said he was hurt with the CPM's approach this time.