Sovan, Baisakhi skip their first rally for BJP in Kolkata – Times of India

Kolkata: Former Kolkata mayor Sovan Chatterjee and his friend Baisakhi Banerjee’s absence from Monday’s public rally, touted to be their first for BJP, overshadowed the event, making the saffron party uncomfortable.
After Sovan, made Bengal BJP observer of Kolkata region last month, was found absent, national general secretary Kailash Vijayvargiya led the rally from Diamond Harbour Road. When the rally reached Wattgunge area, a shoe was flung at participants from a street corner meeting organized by Trinamool Congress.
Police immediately controlled the situation. “It seems TMC has become frustrated now. These are signs of their desperation,” Bengal BJP president Dilip Ghosh said.
Trouble started on Monday morning when Baisakhi said she would be unable to attend the rally due to fluctuating blood pressure. State BJP leaders tried to persuade her to attend but failed. Hours later, Sovan too opted out.
When Sovan was appointed party observer and Baisakhi the co-convenor, both were in Bhubaneswar. Sources indicated that Baisakhi was not happy with Shankudeb Panda being made co-convenor as well.
The twists-and-turns culminated in Sovan and Baisakhi’s nameplates being removed from the room allotted to them at BJP’s Murlidhar Sen Lane office. “I am not aware if any room was allotted to them,” Ghosh said.
According to sources, party’s general secretary (organization) Amitabha Chakraborty might meet the duo on Tuesday.
BJP was already under pressure after police initially refused permission for Monday’s rally. Party leaders met at Sovan’s home on Sunday night to make an assessment. It was decided the rally route would be changed if police stopped it midway. Police later gave conditional permission but denied nod to a bike rally. The rally route had to be changed after police requested BJP leaders to consider traffic management-related factors on first working day of the week.
Ghosh later said: “We give enough opportunity to each leader to work for the party. Those who have come here to work for BJP will have to take a decision and start working. However, it is up to them to decide when they want to become active. Our doors are always open.”
Asked if the party was going to take any action against the duo, Ghosh said the disciplinary committee looked into such issues.