Trinamool takes back control over Garulia Municipality

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress reestablished its control over Garulia Municipality in North 24-Parganas on Monday, following the resignation of its chairman Sunil Singh.

The incident comes as a major setback for BJP MP Arjun Singh, as the chairman is his brother in-law.

Singh submitted his resignation to the Executive Officer on Monday afternoon, apprehending that he will not be able to face the no-confidence motion brought by Trinamool Congress against him.

It may be recalled that Trinamool has already reestablished its control over Bongaon, Halisahar, Kanchrapara and Naihati municipalities. All these civic bodies went under the control of BJP after the majority of the councillors joined the party following the result of the Lok Sabha election in May.

In the 21 member Garulia municipality, Trinamool had 20 councillors, while Forward Bloc had one. After the result of the Lok Sabha election was declared, 12 Trinamool councillors including its chairman Sunil Singh joined the BJP. The party subsequently took over control of the civic board with 12 councillors, while Trinamool had 8 councillors and Forward Bloc had one. Recently, four councillors who had joined BJP came back to Trinamool, taking its strength to 12. Trinamool then moved a no-confidence motion against Singh two weeks ago. Realising that BJP will not be able to face the no-confidence motion, Singh tendered his resignation on Monday.