Bengal BJP suspends Sikdar for indiscipline

The infighting in the West Bengal unit of the BJP took a serious turn today as the party leadership suspended former union minister Tapan Si...

The infighting in the West Bengal unit of the BJP took a serious turn today as the party leadership suspended former union minister Tapan Sikdar for alleged breach of discipline.

Mounting a counter-offensive, Sikdar said he would move the party high command over the issue.

The letter to Sikdar, signed by state BJP vice-president G D Beriwala, said: ‘‘I am satisfied that you have committed breach of discipline, and hence by virtue of the powers vested in me, I hereby suspend you with immediate effect…” Sikdar has also been showcaused to explain his position in 10 days.

Sikdar did not accept the letter. ‘‘Beriwala has no locus standi to send such a letter to me as he is only a vice-president. He is a part of a group of mere businessmen who are bent on destroying the party…And the reasons he has cited for suspending me are fictitious…any such letter…should come from the state unit president,’’ he maintained.