TMC suspends Mukul Roy for six years

Kolkata, Sep 25 (IANS) The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Monday suspended its founding member and Rajya Sabha member Mukul Roy for six years for "indulging in anti-party activities".

TMC Secretary General Partha Chatterjee told media persons here of the party's decision hours as Roy announced that he would quit the party after Durga Puja.

"We have heard the news of Mukul Roy. He has decided to quit the party after puja. For the last few years, he has been indulging in anti-party activities and trying to weaken the party from within," Chatterjee told reporters.

"Trinamool Congress disciplinary committee has recommended punishment against Mukul Roy to the party's leader and chairperson Mamata Banerjee. Accordingly, Roy has been suspended for six years from the party."

He said Roy desired to resign from the Rajya Sabha after the puja. "We have only wanted that he should resign (now)... if he has decided to resign after puja, let him resign right now."

Ruling out any concern over Roy's decision to quit the party, Chatterjee said: "We have no concern. The party and the state is united. We have full confidence on (the leadership) of Mamata Banerjee."

Earlier in the day, Roy said he would resign from the party working committee on Monday.

He also said he would resign as the primary party member and from his Rajya Sabha seat after the Durga Puja, which concludes on September 30.

Chatterjee, who alleged Roy has been "playing for a particular political party", said the TMC kept a close watch on Roy. "He has surrendered to Central agencies," Chatterjee added.