BJP MP Babul shares stage with his Trinamool rival

Batting for a federal structure, union minister and BJP MP Babul Supriyo on Friday shared stage with bitter rival and Trinamool Congress leader Jitendra Tiwari at an event to mark the foundation day of the West Bengal's ruling party.

Supriyo, the MP from Asansol in Burdwan district went atop the stage where Tiwari, also the Asansol mayor was present, and on their request sang a song.

"I had an on and off relationship with Tiwari but now that is a thing of past. Many a things happen during the polls, I was passing by and it would have been discourteous to go without wishing them for the New Year," the singer-turned-politician said.

"As a mayor Tiwari has his share of responsibility for Asansol's development and as a MP and union minister I have my share of responsibility. For the sake of the people of Asansol, I think there should be some kind of administrative cordiality between the mayor and the MP," he added.

Tiwari, who had filed police complaints against Supriyo during the 2014 Lok Sabha polls, said he was a big fan of the singer.

"Leave aside our political rivalry and differences, Supriyo is a legendary singer and we are all fan of his singing. What is the harm in requesting him for a song," asked Tiwari.

Rubbishing claims that he has been summoned by the state BJP to explain his stage sharing with Tiwari, Supriyo said the meet was aimed at enhancing administrative cordiality.

"Under federal structure, a minister and a mayor can meet for the sake of the administrative cordiality. Futile attempts are being made to create a controversy by giving a political colour to the issue. I have not been summoned by the state BJP," said Supriyo.