Abdul Karim Chowdhury, former Trinamool Congress MLA of Islampur in North Dinajpur on Tuesday left the party. Chowdhury was removed from the post of the chairman of North Bengal Development Board and president of the governing body of Islampur College following a clash between two groups of students of the college on February 9.
Chowdhury said he had joined the party on the request of Mamata Banerjee. "Mamata had brought me to the party after showing respect and now she has thrown me out showing disrespect. This is unfortunate." Chowdhury said he had followers in North Dinajpur and would discuss with them before joining any political party. There is a rumour that Chowdhury along with his followers would join BJP and talks with BJP leaders are on.
However, Chowdhury refused to comment on the matter. Trinamool Congress president of North Dinajpur district Amal Acharya said: "It is his decision whether he will remain in the party or not. But his role in the college affair on February 9 was not proper and most unfortunate."
Two groups of students clashed at Islampur College over the nomination of the general secretary. The groups were backed by Chowdhury and the present Trinamool MLA Kanaialal Agarwal. Some teachers of the college also received injury.
Local people alleged that Chowdhury had instigated his followers against his opponents. College property was damaged and some teachers were manhandled. Mamata Banerjee was not happy over the incident and the nomination for the post of the general secretary of the college union has been kept in abeyance.
Chowdhury was removed from all the posts. Chowdhury was a minister in Mamata Banerjee's Ministry from 2011-16. He lost the election in 2016. Chowdhury was made chairman of North Bengal development board.
It may be recalled that over and again Mamata Banerjee had asked her party leaders to give up divisive politics and work together for the development of the area. She said that those who would encourage group politics would be thrown out of the party.