Trinamool concerned with Mukul Roy-Abdur Rezzak Mollah ties, steps up vigil on Iftar

KOLKATA: Ruling Trinamool Congress in West Bengal is keeping a close watch on Iftar parties thrown by leaders of other political parties. Trinamool has information that many of its leaders, including one or two MPs and some MLAs, are in touch with Mukul Roy . The sidelined leader had on June 28 organised an Iftar party where two Trinamool legislators -Shiuli Saha and Shilbhadra Dutta. A day later, both were suspended.

Expelled CPM leader Abdur Rezzak Mollah too has announced to organise an Iftar party on July 14 where Roy is an invitee. "I have invited Roy to come to my party and as far as I know, he will join us on July 14," Mollah said.

It is learnt from the Roy's close circuit that he would attend Mollah's party. Speculations are rife in political circles here that Roy will soon float his own political outfit. A few weeks ago, Roy had a secret meeting with Mollah on the formation of a new party.

Such developments have caused much of concern for Trinamool.

Another prominent Muslim leader and general secretary of Jamiat Ulema E-Hind and leader of the All India United Democratic Front ( AIDUF), Siddiquallah Chowdhury, will also join Mollah's party.

"I have received an invitation from Mollah and I will join his party," Chowdhury told ET.Asked if he was aware about Roy's participation, Chowdhury said: "I know that Roy has been invited. Mollah has not done anything wrong by inviting Roy."

It is Chowdhury who controls a significant chunk of minority votes. Political circles here are convinced that Mollah-Roy-Chowdhury combination could be fatal for Trinamool as the trio might be able to snatch a significant chunk of Muslim vote from its side.

Trinamool insiders said that the party leadership was worried about Roy's move to float a new political party.

"We are certain that Roy is making moves to split our Muslim support base. We have also information about his meeting with Mollah and now he is going to attend the Iftar party organised by the expelled CPM leader. We are keeping a close watch on the Iftar parties being hosted by leaders of political parties," a senior Trinamool Congress leader told ET on condition of anonymity.