A call from ‘Buddha’ thickens plot

Later,former Mayor of Kolkata Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya, who is also the election agent of the chief minister,lodged a complaint with the Chief Electoral Officer Sunil Kumar Gupta.

“We have received a complaint regarding the phone and directed ADG (Law and Order) Surjit Kar Purakayastha to probe the matter,’’ said Gupta. The Election Commission of India has also been informed about the matter.

Irked by the phonce call,Bhattacharya said: “We cannot understand how people can stoop so low to do such a thing. It’s sheer chicanery.’’

Trinamool Congress,however,alleged that it was CPM’s own ploy to boost the party’s sagging fortunes during the elections. “Buddhababu has lost all image and so there is no question of protecting his image. In fact,the CPM is doing this to make some damage control,’’ said Partha Chatterjee,Trinamool general secretary. Interestingly,the chief minister does not possess a cellphone. If anyone from the administration or the party has to get in touch with him,he or she contacts the personal security officer or his assistant.