‘52 Days Since ED Raid, Didi Hasn’t Called Me Yet!’ Tapas Roy on Why He Quit TMC, Next Move | Exclusive

Veteran Trinamool Congress leader Tapas Roy, who was with Mamata Banerjee since the formation of the party, on Monday quit the TMC and resigned from the post of Baranagar MLA.

Will he join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)? At a time when the political circles are abuzz with the question, News18 exclusively spoke to Roy, who claimed he was “hurt" that WB CM and TMC chief Banerjee defended Sandeshkhali accused Shahjahan Sheikh in the assembly, but did not mention the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raid at his house or call him.

He also thanked the BJP and other parties that supported him, saying he is a “people’s person" and his next move will be known in time.

Edited excerpts:

What led to this decision?

I am deeply hurt. I have been in politics for 24 years. Never has the police entered my house for anything. The way scams are being unearthed in Bengal — Bogtui or even Sandeshkhali violence – has hurt me. I couldn’t take it anymore. I tried to tell my party about it in my own way, but nothing happened.

But why the extreme measure?

The ED came to my house on January 12. I was shocked. Everyone reached out to me, except my party chairperson. I did not go to the Assembly that day, but heard our chairperson actually defending Shahjahan. She could have taken my name, but she did not! 52 days have passed, but I have not got a single call from Didi. They did nothing to reach out to me and my family.

The party is saying they have tried to reach you and you are politically compromised because of ED…

They can say whatever they want. I don’t want to start a controversy on this…There are various ways they could have reached me, but they did not. They have my landline and all other numbers. I have waited for 52 days, no less.

Did other parties stand by you?

Yes, specifically the BJP and CPM stood by me. This is the feeling of political fraternity. People know I can’t do anything wrong. Apart from my party, all have stood by me. I will never forget that.

Who is behind the ED raid?

When the ED raid was going on, there were discussions in an MP’s house. I know of it. Sudip Banerjee has been jealous of me for long, which is why I am sure he sent the ED to my house. He has actually made up this story. He is corrupt. I have always said that. He always badmouths the party, but still gets a ticket.

Are you joining the BJP?

I am a people’s person. I don’t know what I will do. You will come to know in time.