Calcutta : Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday appointed Ritabrata Banerjee the head of a committee for the welfare of tribals, positioning the expelled CPM leader as a bridge between her and the community after Trinamul's panchayat poll blows in pockets dominated by them.
The announcement followed a meeting between Mamata and tribal leaders from 12 districts. Other than Ritabrata, the panel will comprise two key representatives of each of the districts.
Ritabrata, 38, now an Independent member of the Rajya Sabha, has been known for his proximity to Trinamul since his expulsion from the CPM. Asked about the role, Ritabrata said: "It's time to work, not speak. I was yearning to do good work. This appointment is a vital opportunity."
Ritabrata was expelled by the CPM in September last year for "anti-party activities" following allegations related to "personal conduct".
Although there has been speculation he will join Trinamul at the party's annual July 21 rally, sources ruled out the possibility. Ritabrata's Rajya Sabha term ends in 2020 and joining Trinamul will lead to the cancellation of his membership and Mamata wants to avoid such "wastage", said the sources.
A senior Trinamul leader said Ritabrata had been a "de facto" member of the party and had been helping Mamata's cause in the Upper House for some time.
(With inputs from Agencies)