BJP left red-faced as Manju says she's with TMC

Kolkata: A few hours after the BJP announced the name of Manju Basu as their candidate in the Noapara by-elections in the state, the latter claimed that she is with the Trinamool Congress and has full faith in her party supremo Mamata Banerjee.

"I have no wish to be a BJP candidate. I will do whatever Didi tells me. I have full faith in her," Basu, who is TMC's former MLA from Noapara, told reporters on Sunday and denied her candidature.

She further said that BJP had not informed her anything about the matter.

There were speculations of Basu joining the BJP after she held a meeting with senior BJP leader Kailash Vijayvargiya. BJP leader Mukul Roy also visited her residence a few days ago and held a meeting. However, Basu had not joined BJP.

It may be mentioned that Basu had claimed that her meeting with Vijayvargiya was a courtesy call and she had met him at the airport where she had gone to see off one of her relatives.

Trinamool Congress had announced the name of Sunil Singh as their candidate in Noapara and there were talks that BJP will field Basu, who is known for her good relations with BJP leader Mukul Roy.

A senior BJP leader claimed that Basu's name was announced at the behest of Roy and her denial of candidature has left the saffron party red faced. "He (Roy) will have to give explanation to our top brass," the BJP leader said.