Saugata back as member of advisory council to CM

Roy received the letter,dated April 30,regarding his appointment yesterday. “I don’t know who the chairperson of the council is. I am also not aware of the functions of the council. And I have not decided whether I will accept the post or not,” Roy told The Indian Express.

There is speculation in the party that the development indicates the decreasing clout of minister for commerce and industries Partha Chatterjee in the government. Mamata had earlier made Chatterjee the chairperson of the core committee on commerce and industries. Roy,as adviser to the CM,had prepared the state’s industrial policy which was not liked by Chatterjee who considered it an encroachment by Roy on his turf. Roy quit as adviser on March 6.

Regarding Mamata taking over as core committee chairperson,Roy said,“In fact it is the chief minister who should take over such jobs as there are several departments which are involved in industrialisation. The chief minister’s presence is necessary in clearing all bottlenecks.”

Chatterjee was not available for comment.