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Amid rumours of a possible split in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) gaining ground, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) senior leader Arun Jaitley is understood to have called up Mukul Roy, former key aide of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Close on the heels of this development, Banerjee got her belongings shifted from 181, South Avenue (Roy's residence) to the neighbouring 183, South Avenue (CM's nephew Abhishek Banerjee), ahead of her visit to the national capital.
This perhaps sums up the changing power equation in the TMC, which is most likely staring at a split engineered by Roy.
When Mamata Banerjee's treadmill and other belongings were being shifted, Roy's son and TMC MLA Subhangshu Roy was telling local media, while he continues to be a TMC member, his father's “honour” is more important to him.
Following Subrhangshu's comment, TMC leader Partha Chatterjee announced party's disciplinary committee would take a decision on “his anti-party activities and comments” within 72 hours.
The split is imminent, says, TMC leaders, but the question is when and how it would shape up. In an informal discussion with journalists, Roy, who is credited for single-handedly building up the TMC organisation in West Bengal, gave ample hint of his intent. Responding to a “hypothetical” question on joining the BJP, Roy went on explaining Banerjee was even popular in 2001, but in absence of an organisation at grassroot level that popularity never got reflected in the results. Things changed since 2008, as the organisation spread to every corner of the state, which was being spearheaded by him.
Many say with this Roy wanted to send out a signal to the BJP that there could be an anti-TMC sentiment across the state, but to win the saffron party needs booth-level organisation, which Roy can deliver.
At a time the BJP state leadership remains divided on inducting Roy, sources say BJP central leadership is in touch with Roy. Jaitley is understood to have spoken to Roy recently, although what transpired during the phone call remains a matter of speculation.
The BJP has been attacking Roy over the Saradha scam till recently. “Saradha is our main plank, it may get diluted with the induction of Mukul Roy. But once again, there could be no denying of the fact that we need someone like Roy who can build the parallel organisation for us like he did for TMC to combat Left,” said a BJP leader.
Many within the BJP believe it would be wise to wait a bit longer to see whether Roy's name figures in CBI chargesheet in the Saradha scam. The final call, however, will be taken by Amit Shah and Narendra Modi. Sources say Shah might soon speak to Roy.
Another possibility is of Roy floating his own party. It could tie up with the BJP in 2016 Assembly election. Roy has about 30 MLAs as his loyalists.
