Name missing from list, Arjun Singh says ‘it’s a breach of trust … Didi is my guru’

Before the 2019 Lok Sabha election, he joined the BJP and defeated Dinesh Trivedi in a closely-fought contest but later joined TMC again.'

Barrackpore MP Arjun Singh at TMC’s ‘Jana Garjan Sabha’ on Sunday. (Express Photo by Partha Paul)

Hours after the Trinamool Congress announces the candidature of state minister Partha Bhowmick from Barrackpore Lok Sabha constituency, sitting MP Arjun Singh hit out at the ruling party Sunday and said it was a “breach of trust” but he trusted TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee as she was his “guru”.

Announcing its candidates for the 42 Lok Sabha seats in West Bengal, the TMC decided to field Bhowmick, who is a state minister and the party’s MLA from Naihati, from the Barrackpore seat. Singh is among the seven incumbent MPs whose names did not feature in TMC’s list of nominees.

Singh had contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections on a BJP ticket. However, he joined the TMC in 2022.

Talking to reporters, Singh said, “I was told at the last moment that I was not getting a ticket to contest (the 2024 Lok Sabha elections). If the party had told me earlier, I wouldn’t have gone (to Brigade Parade Ground). When I joined the TMC, I was told that I would get a ticket from Barrackpore. I am not a seasonal fruit. I am someone who works 12 months round-the-clock.”

Singh said he had attended the rally at Brigade Ground as he had spoken to TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and party second-in-command Abhishek Banerjee and “was hopeful about being a candidate”. “Anyway, Didi (Mamata) is my Guru. I will accept whatever decision she has taken. I had a word with Partha Bhowmick and I wished him great luck,” he added.

The Barrackpore Lok Sabha constituency has a strong presence of Hindi-speaking voters, many of whom work in the jute mills. Singh, a heavyweight leader from the area, had been elected to the West Bengal Assembly four times on TMC ticket.

Before the 2019 Lok Sabha election, he joined the BJP and defeated Dinesh Trivedi in a closely-fought contest but later joined TMC again.’

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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