Trinamool expels two MPs, one joins BJP

The Trinamool Congress on Wednesday expelled two of its sitting Lok Sabha members from West Bengal.

While the expulsion of Soumitra Khan, MP from Bishnupur in Bankura district, was triggered by his decision to join the BJP earlier in the day, the decision for Anupam Hazra was taken on the apprehension that he too might follow suit. Mr. Hazra represents the Bolpur Lok Sabha seat in Birbhum district.

The development, which comes months before the Lok Sabha poll, has triggered speculation in political circles on whether other MPs too are going to leave the party.

Party secretary general Partha Chatterjee described the expulsion as a “disciplinary action for anti-party activities”, while Chief Mimister Mamata Banerjee’s nephew and MP Abhishek Banerjee said that none of these defections and expulsions will have an impact as these MPs “cannot win a single booth by themselves”.

Mr. Khan said that his decision to join the BJP was to protest against the policies of the Trinamool Congress. “There is not a single instance in Bengal when any poll was conducted peacefully. Every time, the ruling party uses bombs and bullets,” he said.

Mr. Hazra asked, “What is the definition of anti-party activity?” He maintained that he was neither into extortion nor had ever featured in the list of accused in the chit fund scam.