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Boosted by a landslide victory in the panchayat election, Mamata Banerjee's Trinamool Congress is hoping to translate the same in 2014 Lok Sabha elections. But even before she takes on her political opponents in the poll, a kind of rebellion within TMC seems to be posing a bigger challenge for Banerjee. TMC MP Somen Mitra, is seen as the one leading the rebellion. Incidentally, in late 90's it was Somen Vs Mamata battle over youth Congress leadership, which was perceived to be the the main reason for the present West Bengal chief minister launching the TMC in 1998. Will Bengal politics see history repeating itself? In an interview with Probal Basak, TMC MP Somen Mitra shares his perspective on this. Edited Excerpts:
After Kunal Ghosh raised his voice against the TMC leadership while sharing stage with you recently, the party has now suspended him. What is your reaction to Ghosh's suspension?
I really do not know what is happening to him and why. Apparently my wife Sikha Mitra, who is a TMC MLA, was also suspended by the party for anti-party activities. The suspension apparently happened a year ago. But, my wife is yet to get the suspension letter. In fact, she has not got it even after quite an effort on her part.
So, to be frank, it is difficult to give a reaction on Kunal Ghosh's suspension, as in my wife's case the suspension letter never reached. I have to see what they have written in the suspension letter, if at all he has received that. Anyway, I think Kunal Ghosh is capable and is in the best position to comment on this. When I had problems with Congress, I left the party. I never rebel being part of the organisation.
Other TMC leaders like Tapas Pal, Shatabdi Roy have publicy shared their displeasure with the TMC, that too in your presence. You are the one seen as leading the rebellion within TMC. Why is it so?
I am not a kind the person who does back-stabbing. If I have some reservation about any matter, nothing can stop me from expressing it. I have been in politics for many decades now. I work on my own conscience. I am not a person who will lead a rebellion.
But, it is quite clear you are not the happiest one in TMC. What is the reason – is it a repeat of personality clash between you and Banerjee as it was in the 90's in state Congress?
No, I have no issues with the person Mamata Banerjee is. I don't criticise her government also. I never interfere in government affairs. But, yes in some matters, I have a disagreement with party affairs. Being in the party, it is not right on my part to discuss them in public.
Is it the Saradha scam and TMC's alleged links with the fraud that makes you unhappy?
Everyone knows my position on the issue. It was not specifically about Saradha, but yes I had written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh about the mushrooming of chit funds across the state much before the matter came to light. I had personally informed the state government and my party leadership about my letter to PM on this. I do not think I have to say anything more about this.
Your sharing of stage with the Congress leadership, visit to Pradesh Congress headquarter here to attend functions – what does all these signify? Is a reunion with Congress on the cards?
I am a TMC MP and member of the party -- that is how the reality stands as of now. I am a representative of the people. I never hide things, which I should not from the public. I work on my conviction. And I cannot say what will happen on a future date. When I left the Congress because of my problem with the party, I had made that known to everyone. If I do anything of that sort, I will let everyone know.
As a TMC MP, do you think Banerjee should work out an alliance with Congress for upcoming Lok Sabha poll?
I cannot express my personal view on issues like this. The Party leadership knows what to do and what not to. Let the party take the decision.
