Kolkata, July 17 -- Former Trinamool Congress heavyweight Madan Mitra on Friday refuted claims that pressure from Central investigative agencies prompted his decision to leave the Mamata Banerjee-led party, insisting that his crossover to the Ritabrata Banerjee-led rebel faction was driven entirely by political differences.
Addressing reporters at the Assembly, Mitra said the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had neither intimidated nor influenced him. "The ED did not scare us. They never called or threatened us. Why should politics be mixed with the ED? My decision was purely political," he said, dismissing speculation that recent ED notices issued to members of his family had forced his hand.
The veteran leader said he had become increasingl...