JOIN USTrinamool to strip Roy of all powers
The Trinamool Congress has begun the process of taking away most responsibilities from Mukul Roy who seemed to be distancing himself from the party ever since he was questioned last week by the CBI officials probing Saradha scam.
Roy, the party’s national general secretary, was considered the second-in-command after chairperson Mamata Banerjee but all that may become history.
The situation took a new turn on Sunday when Mamata held an emergency party meeting where Roy was conspicuous by his absence. Though he attended the party’s extended core committee meeting on Saturday, Roy preferred to stay away on Sunday.
Instead, he plans to visit Delhi again on Tuesday, busy working out legalities of the case the state government has filed in the Supreme Court, seeking court monitoring of the investigation.
While Roy is busy otherwise, Trinamool seems to be gearing up for a future without him and necessary steps are being taken to replace him. According to a senior Trinamool leader and MP, Roy could soon be shunted out totally.
The message has come loud and clear from none other than Mamata on Saturday. She is reported to have said in the meeting, “I cannot be made to feel afraid with stories of having to go to jail. I’m not scared of anything. Those who are feeling afraid can look for an exit.”
Many Trinamool leaders Deccan Herald spoke to believe the message was meant for Mukul. They also agreed that even though Roy was Mamata’s confidant, they have fallen apart since the CBI probe started.
“Our party has only one line and Mamata is our only leader. All others are dispensable. If someone is thinking of splitting the party, he is daydreaming. The person is destined to fail because it will be hard to draw away important leaders from Mamata,” the MP said.
Party insiders pointed out that Roy has already been relieved of some responsibilities, including as funds manager and master strategist for the upcoming elections. Meaty roles have been handed over to those known to be close to him in a clear sign indicating Mamata’s attempts to woo them.
The shunted leader has also been asked to stay away from the media and the job has gone to senior minsters Partha Chatterjee, Subrata Mukherjee and Subrata Bakshi. More roles are set to be given to MP Subhendu Adhikari. He could receive some of the responsibilities which were given to Roy, sources said.