At 5pm, a rush of activity took place adjacent to the Trinamool Congress office in Bolpur. The members of the TMC and surrounding residents were filling their buckets with water when it was time to provide water. The TMC office remained deserted until late night when party workers returned from campaigning for the Lok Sabha elections which are going to be held here on May 13th. However, with time excitement about the campaign evaporated. In connection with the cattle smuggling case, Anubrata Mondalor also known as Keshtoda was jailed.
He has been lodged at Delhi’s Tihar jail over two years ago. Being referred to as Bengal’s Birbhum-Bholpur districts strongman, his arrest placed TMC in a tight spot. It did well last time because of Mondal’s organization skills. As district chairman he ensured that workers showed up and hauled voters to polls.
Although the TMC announced many organizational changes here, some positions including that of district president occupied by Mondal have not yet been filled up due to difficulties within the party itself. Even in his absence Anubrata Mondal is still leaving a mark on everything around him particularly in politics where his picture occupies a prominent place in the party office among other Parties refuse to believe that his days are numbered; Sukanto Hazra put it this way: “He will never be able to finish. We continue demanding votes in his name and soon he will come out.”
This is most improbable thing ever and even TMC acknowledges this truth too. However, another local Kajal Sheikh is gaining popularity but then again they (TMC) does not want him as district president because it may lead to polarization..
The BJP had changed its candidate for Birbhum Lok Sabha poll as he was disqualified on technical grounds.Another person suggested by former IPS officer Debashish Dhar who resigned from state posts but was not accepted by the BJP. This is a question that Mamata Banerjee relies on corrupt people like Mondal to win the polls should be raised further by the party.
TMC may remain unaffected by Keshtodar’s absence but it has only added to the worries of TMC. The BJP does not want 2014 repeated. Without Mondal, Trinamool has become cautious.
Although Anubrata Mondal’s photos are full of hope, this office appears empty. “Dada dekhchhe (Dada is watching us),” said a party worker to News18.
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She has been covering politics and Parliament for fifteen years; extensively reported on Congress, UPA-I and II and now F…read more
