Riju Dutta, dismissed by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for six years, alleges that he was punished for publicly expressing gratitude to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for safeguarding his family post-West Bengal Assembly elections. Dutta also accuses the TMC of irregularities in ticket distribution and asserts that the political consulting firm IPAC was effectively controlling the party’s organizational matters.
According to Dutta, he was denied a ticket for the Assembly elections after refusing to pay a demanded sum of Rs 50 lakh. He claims that individuals associated with IPAC, not the TMC leadership, asked for the money. Despite his loyalty to the TMC for over a decade, Dutta states that he was suspended for acknowledging assistance from BJP leaders during a crisis involving threats to his family.
Dutta alleges that his family faced threats post-election results, with his mother and wife being specifically targeted. Seeking help, he contacted senior BJP leaders, leading to his removal from the TMC for thanking the BJP. Dutta views his suspension as a recognition of his loyalty and honesty rather than a punishment, emphasizing his commitment to the party.
The Trinamool Congress has not yet responded officially to Dutta’s allegations regarding ticket distribution, the money demand, or the involvement of IPAC.
