Kolkata:
Mukul Roy, among the most senior leaders of Mamata Banerjee's party, has quit the Trinamool Congress today.
Mr Roy, a member of parliament, met with top BJP leaders in Delhi late last month, adding to the perception that he was "getting close to the BJP", said sources.
He said he was "forced" to resign and was exiting the Trinamool "with heavy heart and pain." When asked if he would join the BJP next, he told NDTV, "After five days i will explain everything. Today, I will not say a word, I will explain after puja," referring to the annual Durga Puja festival which is celebrated widely in Bengal.
The BJP has acknowledged that Mr Roy has been in touch with its leaders. "I came to know that Mr. Roy is in touch with our central leaders. We will consider it if he wishes to join BJP," said West Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh over the weekend.
