Nabagram CPI-M legislator defects to Trinamul Cong

Berhampore: CPI(M) MLA of Nabagram in Murshidabad Kanai Mondal defected to the Trinamul Congress on Sunday in what turned out to be another blow to the Leftist party. At a major public meeting at Rasulpur High School ground in the district he joined the ruling party in presence of state transport minister Suvendu Adhikary, who is also the Trinamul observer of the district.

Mr Mondal, who was a CPI(M) Murshidabad district committee member and Krisan Front (farmers’ wing) leader of the party’s organisation, has been expelled by the CPI(M) soon after his defection. His switchover comes few months after former CPI(M) MP Moinul Hasan entry to chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s party. Mr Hasan was seen at Shaheed Dibas rally of the Trinamul at Dharmatola on July 21.

Mr Mondal is a second time MLA from Nabagram assembly constituency. His joining hands with the Trinamul has created an astonishment in the political circle in the district which was once known as a Congress bastion. This was also the first time when a sitting CPI(M) MLA joined the Trinamul in Murshidabad where Mr Adhikary has been playing a key role in expanding the ruling party’s bases in one masterstroke after another.

Welcoming Mr Mondal in the party Mr Adhikary set a task for him. Describing him “son of the soil” he declared at the rally, “Mr Mondal will supervise the development work in your area.” On the other hand Mr Mondal said that he joined the Trinamul from the CPI(M) to usher in development in his constituency area. He added that he can serve the people of Nabagram well.

The CPI(M) however foresaw a change going to happen in his political career. CPI(M) Murshidabad district secretary Mriganka Bhattacharya said that they were apprehending his defection.

“He is trecherous for our party and its rank and file. The CPI(M) has expelled him from the party membership,” he said.