TMC olive branch to disgruntled leader Nantu Paul - decides to walk out of Mamata Banerjee’s party and contest as an Independent

His decision to contest as an Independent from Siliguri Assembly seat marred Trinamul’s major LPG price hike protest rally on Sunday

Nantu Paul.: File picture

TT  |   Siliguri   |   09.03.21  :  Senior Trinamul leaders here have taken up the onus to placate Nantu Paul, a key political face of the city, in the wake of his decision to walk out of Mamata Banerjee’s party and contest as an Independent from the Siliguri Assembly seat.

On Sunday, when party supremo and chief minister Mamata Banerjee was in town, Paul announced his decision in protest of Trinamul’s decision to field Omprakash Mishra.

Tourism minister Gautam Deb, instrumental in inducting Paul into Trinamul, said he hoped the dissident would change his mind.

“I brought him into Trinamul in 2004. He was one of our senior councillors of the civic body, chairman of our party’s election committee of Siliguri Assembly seat and vice-chairman of SJDA. Anybody can have political aspirations but one has to obey the party’s decision. I hope his good sense prevails,” said Deb.

According to party insiders, Paul’s decision marred Trinamul’s major LPG price hike protest rally on Sunday. “We suspect his decision may encourage others disgruntled with Mishra’s nomination (to revolt),” said a party leader, adding that Paul enjoys clout in many wards of the city. “If he contests as an Independent, he will cut our votes.”

Paul said many party leaders had contacted him but he stood firm in his decision.

“There is no question of withdrawing my stand. I have clarified to senior Trinamul leaders including state tourism minister and state sports minister on Sunday that I am sticking to my decision and will contest as an Independent,” he said, adding that on Tuesday, he would resign as vice-chairman of the SJDA.