Those deserting Congress are opportunists: Adhir

Lashing out at the those deserting Congress for 'political gains' to Trinamool Congress, West Bengal PCC president Adhir Chowdhury today said they are but political opportunists.

"I know very well that elected representatives, leaders are deserting Congress for their own political gains. It hurts. I am aware of it. But you should know one thing that Congress stalwarts like Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi had witnessed such things and Sonia Gandhi too is witnessing it," he said addressing a programme of the party's student wing Chatra Parishad.

"But you can't get disheartened by desertions of such oppurtunists and leave the political battlefield. I can assure you that just like previous situations Congress will emerge victorious this time too," Chowdhury said.

Since the break up of the Congress-TMC alliance in 2012, 9 Congress MLAs had switched over to TMC bringing down the party's seats in the state assembly to 33. Chowdhury said more importance should be given to the views and opinions of Congress workers rather than leaders, as it was they who constitute the party.

"We know that leaders, including me, give more importance to MLAs, MPs and councillors. But this should not be the case. The views and opinions of the workers should be given utmost importance as it is they who are its real strength," he added.