Hours before Didi’s S’khali rally, Rekha Patra mentor joins TMC
Times of India | 31 December 2024
12 Sandeshkhali: BJP Basirhat candidate Rekha Patra's former mentor Sujay Mandal, aka Sujay Master, officially joined Trinamool Congress on Monday. Mandal was a prominent figure during the unrest in Sandeshkhali. The move came ahead of CM Mamata Banerjee's Sandeshkhali visit. Trinamool seniors claimed that the decision stemmed from Mandal's realisation of his mistakes.
During the unrest, Mandal had been arrested for allegedly inciting trouble but was later granted bail. Following his release, he stayed away from public view for some time. Earlier, Mandal had appeared alongside Trinamool ministers Sujit Bose and Partha Bhowmick.
Commenting on the development, Sandeshkhali Trinamool MLA Sukumar Mahato said, "He (Mandal) is a teacher. Realising his mistake, he has rejoined us. He was inspired by Mamata Banerjee's development work. I congratulate him."
The Sandeshkhali incident drew significant attention ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. However, BJP LS candidate Patra faced a resounding defeat. Joining Banerjee's Sandeshkhali rally on Monday, Mandal said: "I joined the Sandeshkhali movement when it was apolitical. My intention was to protest against the atrocities committed by Sheikh Shahjahan and his associates. However, the movement later turned political after BJP politicians intervened for their own advantage. At that point, I distanced myself from the movement. I was with TMC, and I remain a TMC worker."