Kolkata, Nov. 4 -- Factional infighting within the BJP's Barrackpore unit has intensified, with several organisational leaders accusing local MLA Kaustav Bagchi of extorting money from businessmen, threatening party workers and creating an atmosphere of fear in the area. The leaders have decided to approach the administration and explore legal action against the legislator, citing fears of possible loss of life.
Barrackpore BJP mandal (2) president Anamika Nag, general secretary Sanjay Yadav and a former national council member have levelled a series of allegations against Bagchi. They alleged that the MLA was demanding large sums of money from local businessmen, including establishments such as Disha Eye Hospital and Dada Boudi Restaurant. Yadav claimed that Bagchi had formed a 20-member team to carry out extortion activities and that businessmen were summoned through his associates and asked to pay substantial amounts.
The leaders further alleged that BJP workers who opposed such activities were being threatened. They also objected to Bagchi describing several old party workers as outsiders and anti-social elements following their courtesy visit to former Trinamool Congress chairman Uttam Das's residence after Bijaya.
Yadav said that he had sent a legal notice to the MLA and would file an FIR if he did not receive a satisfactory response. The allegations have also been brought to the notice of the state BJP leadership.
MAITC claims that within a few months of forming the government, the party's internal factional feud in the area has reached its peak, the cost of which is being borne by ordinary citizens and local businessmen.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.