Amid signs of defection, Adhir a common factor: ‘Difficult to work with him’

The source with the ruling party also informed that the leadership has promsied berths at various municipalities if they switch sides. “They would be inducted into the party within a week,” the source said.

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Among the leaders whom this correspondent spoke to, the common grouse seemed to be directed at Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, Congrerss’ state president. “Adhir has turned Bengal Congress into his own Congress. It is sad to see that the person who doesn’t know Bengal beyond Murshidabad is the party’s in-charge for the entire state,” said Shankar Singh, a senior Congress leader from Nadia. He, however, maintained he is not considering switching parties. “At the moment, I am on a wait-and-watch mode. Having spent over 40 years in politics, I know many people personally but have not talked to them about shifting yet.”

Singh reportedly was not happy with the choice of candiate for the Lok Sabha elections last year and is also not hopeful about the party’s performance at the nine municipalities that go to polls next month.

Sibaji Singha Roy, president of North Kolkata district, too, echoed similar views. “Adhir is out to end the party here in Bengal. Talking to leaders of other party is normal in politics. I am not a greedy person. If I have to shift, it will not be for any post but because I am unable to work under Adhir Chowdhury,” he said. Roy added that he had written to party vice-president Rahul Gandhi and senior leader C P Joshi complaining about Adhir but no step was taken.

Adhir, however, was unfazed. “Let them go. These are opportunists who need a reason to justify their selfish moves. What can I do to stop them? They know the party cannot satisfy their greed and so think it is better to move on.”