Mukul Roy likely to float party

NEW DELHI: Suspended Trinamool Congress member Mukul Roy is likely to float a political outfit with an eye on next year's panchayat polls in West Bengal to test the waters in the state.

Roy's arrival in the capital on Friday had sparked rumours of him joining BJP, especially in view of his recent statements reflecting a softening of stand towards the party. However, BJP sources felt Roy is likely to form his own political outfit to show off his political strength in Bengal. "I have candidates for every single seat for the first tier of panchyat polls. But I will chalk out my future course of action after I resign from the Rajya Sabha," Roy told reporters here on Saturday.

Roy is here to submit his resignation next week from his Rajya Sabha seat.