Trinamool Congress MP Saugata Roy accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of attempting to create a division within the Mamata Banerjee-led party’s parliamentary unit. He likened this move to the BJP’s ‘Operation Lotus’ strategy, involving tactics like intimidation and temptation to break parties, citing past instances with Shiv Sena and the NCP.
Roy’s comments followed reports that around 20 Trinamool Lok Sabha MPs might support the NDA, hinting at a potential split within the party’s parliamentary group. He mentioned a gathering of 14 MPs at Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav’s residence and criticized the BJP’s alleged efforts to influence party members.
The MP highlighted Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s involvement in what he perceived as attempts to destabilize the Trinamool. Roy noted the disappointment within the party that may have led some MPs to consider supporting other factions but emphasized the moral implications of such actions.
Roy expressed his commitment to the party that elected him, stressing that external pressures would not sway his loyalty. He acknowledged speaking with a few dissenting MPs but clarified uncertainties about the reported number of MPs involved in the potential split.
