Adhir-Bhunia trade charges as Congress infighting deepens

Virtually defying his party’s stand, Bhunia on Friday formally accepted his appointment as PAC chairman. 

This has happened just a day before the crucial meeting of WBPCC to discuss the issue on Saturday. 

Apart from all senior party leaders and office bearers, leaders from the districts have also been invited to attend the meeting.

 Dr Bhuniya Friday said the Congress Legislative Party (CLP) was held on June 17 in presence of WBPCC president Adhir Chowdhury. Later, CLP had sent the names of four Congress MLAs to the Speaker to select the PAC chairman from them. As Dr Bhunia’s name appeared on the top of the list, the Speaker had him the chairman of PAC.

Meanwhile, Abdul Mannan went to Delhi and on July 4 gave the name of Sujan Chakraborty of CPI(M) to the Speaker claiming that AICC had nominated his name. Dr Bhunia on Friday alleged that as no CLP meeting was held to discuss the matter, Mannan had suggested Chakraborty’s name without consulting other MLAs. “He had informed the matter to Chowdhury without giving him the real picture. Chowdhury, in turn referred the name to AICC.”

Sharply reacting to Dr Bhunia’s statement, Chowdhury said: “I am not a little boy. I have been an MP for over two decades and no one can make me accept anything against my wishes.” Chowdhury had earlier requested Dr Bhunia to step down from the post and requested him not to fall into Trinamool Congress’ trap.

It was learnt that Dr Bhunia is going to skip Saturday’s meeting because of his earlier engagement. The biggest question is whether he will be suspended from the party for anti party activities.

Party insiders said Mannan who is the leader of Opposition had tried to settle his score with Dr Bhunia. Dr Bhunia had opposed the alliance with Congress and went a step further and met party’s chair-person Sonia Gandhi and expressed his displeasure.

But as Congress got 44 seats, two seats more than what they had bagged in 2011, Chowdhury- Mannan lobby wanted to carry on with the alliance and tried to corner Bhunia. Bhunia who is a veteran leader was not even made the deputy leader of opposition. 

The trouble within Congress is brewing up and a split in the party on this issue is not unlikely, political analysts said.