Roy: Rural polls are litmus test to me

Kolkata: A day after he was entrusted for chalking out and leading the poll-strategy by the party’s leadership in the upcoming panchayat elections, BJP leader Mukul Roy said on Sunday, that it would be his litmus test.

A group of around 250 Trinamul workers from North 24 Parganas and Malda joined the BJP in his presence at state BJP headquarters. Mr Roy said, “Corruption has taken place in the panchayat bodies. No one is willing to take the responsibility for it. That is why the Trinamul Congress workers are joining the BJP. Panchayat polls is a litmus test to me. I have started preparating to filed candidates in all seats.”

He has been appointed as the convenor of the panchayat committee of the BJP. Mr Roy is assisted by Shameek Bhattacharya, a former BJP MLA. Meanwhile, BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha demanded that the submission of nomination papers by the candidates should be made online.  

“Online nomination system has to be introduced. We will place this demand to the Election Commission. If needed, we will also move the court for it. Those who can file their nomination papers in person can do it,” he said.

Mr Sinha added, “But the online process will be helpful for those who will be threatened or prevented by the goons backed by the Trinamul from filing their nomination papers. We hope the Election Commission would accept our demand. Unless we can go upto court.”

According to sources, the BJP apprehends that the ruling party may resist their candidates from filing their nominations as the BJP is eyeing to contest in all seats.