TMC asks Panihati municipality chairperson to quit after graft claims
Times of India | 12 March 2025
12 Kolkata: Trinamool Congress on Tuesday asked Panihati municipality chairperson Moloy Roy to step down, following graft charges being levelled against him. Roy, however, refused to do so, claiming the allegations were false. The party, however, indicated it was in no mood for a rethink.
State minister and Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim dialled Roy and told him to resign. Defending his position, Roy told reporters: "What is my crime? Why should I resign? First, I need to know the reason. How can I step down without knowing that?"
Speaking to reporters, Hakim said: "The party is supreme, individuals do not matter. The party has decided that he should go. He should resign. None is above party." He denied that the move was linked to corruption allegations over the Sodepur Amaravati Ground realty project.
Roy, however, referred to these claims and insisted he was being framed. He said: "The Amaravati Ground belongs to a trustee board and cannot be sold. Some people assumed otherwise. I had proposed building a stadium and a community hall there, but others misunderstood my intentions. I have been made a scapegoat."
Roy said he would meet Hakim in person on the matter. In response to this, the mayor said: "Anyone can meet me. My doors are always open. But I cannot intervene in a decision taken by the party."
According to local sources, concerns have been raised over plans to sell a large portion of the 85-bigha Amaravati Ground in Ward No. 22 for a housing project. Amid public outrage over a private realty deal, sources said CM Mamata Banerjee had to intervene and direct Bengal govt to acquire the land. The Amaravati Ground is registered under the Society for the Protection of Children in India.
Trinamool sources indicate that the party brass is treating the matter seriously. Discussions have already begun regarding Roy's possible replacement. Meanwhile, tension prevailed at the municipality office, with reduced staff attendance. Notably, since Saturday, Somnath De, the chairman-in-council (public works) of Panihati municipality, has been provided with police security, leading to speculation about Trinamool's next move.
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