Last Updated: March 13, 2024, 16:19 IST
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. (File Image: PTI)
Mamata’s decision comes following Babun discontent over the TMC’s decision to re-nominate Prasun Banerjee for the Howrah Lok Sabha seat in the upcoming general election
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday has ended her ties with her brother, Babun Banerjee, following his discontent over the Trinamool Congress’s decision to re-nominate Prasun Banerjee for the Howrah Lok Sabha seat in the upcoming general election.
“My family and I renounce all relationship with Babun…” West Bengal CM told news agency PTI.
“Before every election, he creates a problem. I don’t like greedy people and don’t believe in dynasty politics, so that I will give him a ticket in elections. I have decided to disown him and cut off all relationship with him,” she stated.
Prasun Banerjee, who is not related to Mamata, has won the Howrah seat three times. The Trinamool has held this seat since 2009 when Ambica Banerjee won it from the Communist Party.
On Wednesday, Babun, currently in New Delhi, voiced his discontent over the party’s choice to re-nominate Prasun Banerjee for the Howrah Lok Sabha seat.
“I am not happy with the selection of the candidate from Howrah Lok Sabha seat. Prasun Banerjee is not the right choice. There were many capable candidates who were overlooked,” Babun remarked, further stating, “I can never forget the insult that Prasun hurled at me.”
Babun, one of the younger siblings of Mamata Banerjee, said he is a registered voter of Howrah. “I know Didi (Mamata Banerjee) would not agree with me. But if needed, I will contest as independent from Howrah Lok Sabha seat,” he said.
Mamata’s decision also comes amid speculation that her brother could defect to rival BJP, which would be a significant advantage for the opposition.
However, dismissing the rumors, Babun expressed his intention to run as an independent candidate in the Lok Sabha polls for the Howrah seat.
“As long Mamata di is there, I would never quit the party and neither would I join any other political party. Yes as I am connected to sports, I know many BJP leaders, who too are connected with sports.” Babun asserted.
This isn’t the first public disagreement between the siblings. Mamata had previously scolded Babun during the Covid-19 pandemic for disregarding safety rules.
In January 2022, Mamata publicly reprimanded her brother for “roaming around with a Covid case at home” while Bengal was experiencing a surge in infections, with over 14,000 cases reported.
The Trinamool Congress, a member of the Congress-led INDIA bloc, has recently unveiled its candidates for all 42 Lok Sabha seats in the state. Mahua Moitra, who was controversially suspended from Parliament, has been re-nominated from Krishnanagar, while Mamata’s nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, will contest to retain his Diamond Harbour seat.
Wuth inputs from PTI.
