A'duar TM C leaders set to switch camps likely to join BJP

SNS, ALIPURDUAR, 29 MARCH 21: Former block president of the Trinamul Congress in Kalchini in Alipurduar district, Ashim Mazumder, who is known as the "right hand" of senior TMC leader Mohan Sharma, has said that they will join a "new party under the leadership of Mohan Sharma "in one or two days."

'The statement from Mr Mazumder has added to speculations that Mr Sharma, along with his supporters, will join the Bharatiya Janata Party before the elections in Alipurduar district.

"We cannot remain in a place where there is no prestige. We, under the leadership of our leader Mohan Sharma, will join a new party in one or two days. We will inform the media of the details before we change the camp," Mr Mazumder said here today.

Notably, Mr Sharma, who is the mentor of the Alipurduar Zilla Parishad and a member of the core committee of the Trinamul Congress, had recently announced his resignation from all party and government posts.

Such announcement from Mr Sharma and the statements from another "pillar" of the Trinamul Congress in Kalchini block, Mr Mazumder, have triggered a commotion in political circles in the district.

"I do not like to comment on the matter," Mr Sharma, however said, when asked about the developments today.

Notably, 17 of the 18 Alipurduar Zilla Parishad seats were won by the Trinamul Congress in the last panchayat elections in Alipurduar district.

Speculations are rife that a majority of the Zilla Parishad members may now join the BJP with Mr Sharma.

"I know nothing of it. I do not think such a thing will happen," the Sabhadhipati of the Alipurduar Zilla Parishad, Sheela Das Sarkar, however said.