TMC eyes Siliguri civic body as Forward Block councillor joins party

Singh was formally inducted into the party by state PWD Minister Aroop Biswas. “The dedication of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is praiseworthy. She has worked towards the development of the state. I want to be part of her movement,” Singh said.

Biswas said more councillors from other parties would soon join the TMC. “They have been inspired by the CM’s work. Those who don’t want the development here would remain with (Siliguri Mayor) Ashok Bhattacharya,” he said.

While the party is still a long way from forming the board, party MP Abhishek Banerjee said, “It was only a matter of time before TMC took charge of the municipal corporation.”

Contacted, Bhattacharya said he would not let TMC succeed in its intentions. “TMC’s plan to destabilise Siliguri Municipal Corporation board will not be successful. I challenge them to bring no-confidence motion. There are TMC councillors who would vote for us,” Bhattacharya said.