West Bengal
TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee meets Mukul Roy's ailing wife, triggers political speculation
Kolkata/IBNS: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP and the party's de facto number two, Abhishek Banerjee, on Wednesday evening met Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Mukul Roy's ailing wife at a city hospital, triggering speculation of a new political chemistry in West Bengal.
Abhishek went to the hospital to check with Roy's COVID-19 infected wife, Krishna Roy, while returning from his visit to cyclone Yaas-affected areas in South 24 Parganas.
Reportedly, Abhishek had a talk with Roy's politician son Subhrangshu.
Both Roy and Subhrangshu are the former colleagues of Abhishek in the TMC.
Earlier rumours had gained pace over Roy's political stance after the former number two man of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a meeting with TMC top leader Subrata Bakshi.
However, Roy, who joined the BJP in 2017, later clarified he was still with the saffron camp.
In a message to the BJP which is slamming the ruling party on a number of issues, Roy's politician son Subhrangshu Roy a few days ago interestingly said it was important for the party to introspect rather than criticising an elected government.
Within hours after Abhishek's visit to the hospital, BJP state president Dilip Ghosh went to the health facility to inquire about Krishna Roy's condition.
As per media reports, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday morning dialled Mukul Roy to inquire about the BJP MLA's health status.
In a significant comment during the 2021 Assembly Elections, Mamata had stated, "Mukul is not as bad as Suvendu (Suvendu Adhikari, TMC-turned BJP MLA who defeated the Chief Minister). I can say this."
Over the last few weeks since Mamata stormed back to power on May 2, several TMC turncoats, who switched over to the BJP before the state polls, have expressed keenness to return to their former party.
Mamata-led TMC returned to power for the third consecutive term with 213 of 294 seats (two seats due to be polled) as opposed to BJP's mere 77 (now 75 following two resignations).
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