Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee distanced herself from her younger brother Babun Banerjee after he expressed dissatisfaction over the party’s decision to re-nominate Prasun Banerjee for the Howrah Lok Sabha seat in West Bengal.
Addressing reporters in Jalpaiguri, Mamata Banerjee criticized her brother’s public criticism of the party’s candidate selection process. The Telegraph quoted Banerjee as saying, “Before every election, he creates problems. I dislike individuals driven by greed. I do not endorse dynasty politics by offering him an electoral ticket. Hence, I have chosen to disassociate from him and sever all ties.”
Responding to rumours of his potential defection to the BJP, Mamata Banerjee asserted, “He is free to make his own choices. The party firmly supports its official candidate, Prasun Banerjee.”
Babun Banerjee, presently in New Delhi, refuted claims of joining the BJP but expressed contemplation over contesting the Howrah Lok Sabha seat independently. He voiced dissatisfaction with Prasun Banerjee’s candidacy, asserting that there were more qualified contenders overlooked for the seat.
Citing past grievances, Babun Banerjee stated, “I cannot overlook the disrespect Prasun has shown me.”
Prasun Banerjee, a former footballer, has previously served as a two-time Lok Sabha MP for the TMC from the Howrah constituency.
Despite acknowledging potential disagreement with his sister, Babun Banerjee affirmed his intention to contest the Howrah seat as an independent candidate if necessary, emphasizing his status as a registered voter in Howrah.
When questioned about potential affiliation with the BJP, Babun Banerjee dismissed such speculation, affirming his allegiance to Mamata Banerjee and the TMC. He acknowledged acquaintances with BJP figures due to his sports connections but reiterated his commitment to his current political allegiance.
On Sunday, days after she walked out of the Opposition INDIA alliance, Mamata Banerjee had announced the names of Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidates for all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state.
The announcement had taken place during the mega Janagarjan rally organised by the TMC at the Brigade Ground in Kolkata.
Among the notable names in the list are actor Shatrughan Sinha for Asansol, Mahua Moitra for Krishnanagar, Saayoni Ghosh for Jadavpur, Gopal Lama for Darjeeling, Abhishek Banerjee for Diamond Harbour and former Indian cricketer Yusuf Pathan for Berhampore.
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