Sovan Chatterjee joins BJP, severe jolt for TMC

In a severe jolt to the ruling Trinamool Congress, its four-time MLA and former Kolkata Mayor Sovan Chatterjee joined BJP in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Efforts were on in TMC to bring Chatterjee, who was on a sabbatical, to active politics again.

"We never thought Sovan would ultimately join BJP. It is true that BJP leaders were in touch with him but we never believed that he could betray Mamata Banerjee, whom he used to describe as Maa (mother)," a senior TMC leader said.

"His joining will have a bearing on TMC's organisation in South 24 Paraganas district and also on Kolkata Municipal Corporation elections slated to be held next year. The party missed his political and organisation acumen during the Lok Sabha polls," said another TMC leader.

Known for his organisational capabilities and his ability to manage finances, Chatterjee was in the top echelons of TMC and was a trusted lieutenant of TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee
The final announcement on his expulsion would be made soon, a TMC leader said,