BJP demonstrates against party's state secy Sayanta Basu

Kolkata: BJP supporters on Monday staged demonstrations against Sayanta Basu, party's state secretary alleging embezzlement of funds meant for booth committees in Basirhat. Basu had contested against Trinamool Congress candidate Nusrat Jahan in the general election from Basirhat Lok Sabha seat and lost.

BJP workers put up posters against Basu who was scheduled to visit the area on Monday afternoon. They also organised road blocks demanding action against Basu.

The BJP workers alleged that Basu was given lakhs of rupees which had been meant for the booth committees. The party leadership had told the booth committee workers that money had been released and they would get it before the election which was held on May 19, the last day of the seven phase election.

"But the money never reached us. The money was taken by Basu and we demand that he should return the money back to the party," the workers said. They alleged that as the money did not reach them, the party could not win the seat. The demonstration of the BJP workers clearly indicate that money was sent to buy the voters in the booth level. It may be mentioned that Trinamool Congress supremo has said over and again that BJP was spending huge cash to win the election. She had alleged that BJP was spending anything between Rs 2000 to Rs 2500 per person to cast their vote in favour of the party.

Sayantan Basu said the allegations made against him were "absolutely false." "I did not handle any money. It was controlled by the party and those who are brining allegations are trying to malign me," he said. Basu had shot to fame by using "unparliamentary" words against Trinamool Congress. He had often criticized Trinamool leaders for being corrupt. However, the allegation of financial irregularity has put up on a backfoot.