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BJP Downplays Bengal MLAs’ Public Spat Over Syndicate Allegations
Two BJP lawmakers in West Bengal argued during a public meeting.
The meeting was held so residents could share complaints.
Some complaints involved alleged demands for money and forced purchases of construction materials.
Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay said people could choose where to buy materials.
Piyush Kanoria questioned whether some former Trinamool Congress associates were returning to the area.
He also said he would oppose wrongdoing in Dum Dum Park.
The BJP’s state president said the lawmakers were not really in conflict.
However, the public disagreement showed that local groups within the party may have different views.
BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya said there was no conflict between MLAs Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay and Piyush Kanoria.
The legislators clashed publicly at a grievance meeting in Dum Dum Park over alleged extortion and syndicate activities.
Mukhopadhyay said residents could buy construction materials from any supplier and promised that no one would be allowed to collect money.
Kanoria questioned the presence of people formerly associated with the Trinamool Congress and warned against disturbing Dum Dum Park’s peace.
The incident highlighted competing local power centres within the BJP shortly after it formed the state government.
- Who
- BJP MLAs Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay and Piyush Kanoria, along with BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya.
- What
- A public disagreement over allegations of extortion, syndicate activity, and the return of people formerly associated with the Trinamool Congress.
- Where
- A public grievance meeting in Ward 28 of South Dum Dum Municipality, at Dum Dum Park near Kolkata, West Bengal.
- When
- The dispute occurred at a meeting on Tuesday evening; the BJP’s response was reported on Wednesday, September 23.
- Why
- Kanoria intervened after Mukhopadhyay discussed complaints about alleged extortion and syndicate operations and questioned developments in the locality.
BJP Leadership’s Position
MLAs’ Public Positions
Whether the episode reflected a conflict
BJP Leadership’s Position
Samik Bhattacharya said there was no conflict between the two legislators.
MLAs’ Public Positions
Their public exchange and competing statements suggested disagreement over local political issues.
Handling syndicate allegations
BJP Leadership’s Position
Mukhopadhyay said the complaints would be examined and that residents could choose their construction-material suppliers.
MLAs’ Public Positions
Kanoria said he had never allowed syndicate activity and demanded safeguards against alleged wrongdoing and political interference in Dum Dum Park.
Key facts
- Main participants
- Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay and Piyush Kanoria
- BJP response
- State president Samik Bhattacharya said there was no conflict between the MLAs.
- Meeting purpose
- To hear and review local residents’ grievances.
- Key allegations
- Extortion and syndicate operations involving construction-material supplies.
- Location
- Dum Dum Park, Ward 28, South Dum Dum Municipality.
- Mukhopadhyay’s position
- Residents should be free to purchase construction materials from wherever they choose.
- Kanoria’s position
- People previously kept out of Dum Dum Park should not be brought back politically, and the area should remain peaceful.
Quotes
Sharadwat Mukhopadhyay
West Bengal health minister and BJP MLA from Bidhannagar
“Fear is out, trust is in (after the BJP came to power). We will neither take money nor allow anyone to take money”
theprint.in
“I have never allowed anyone to run a syndicate”
theprint.in
Sources
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