Hooghly, 15 April (H.S.): Internal differences surfaced during a BJP New Year “Shobhayatra” in Chuchura, as former Union Minister Smriti Irani left the programme midway, leaving party workers disappointed.

According to sources, the BJP’s procession began from in front of the district office near Gate No. 3 in Chuchura, but started later than the scheduled time, reportedly upsetting Irani. Party insiders also claimed that the absence of the district president at the office to receive her added to the discontent.

Despite the scorching heat, the procession commenced, but lost momentum when Irani returned midway. She was scheduled to address a gathering at Ghori More, and announcements had been made since morning regarding her speech. However, although she arrived, she did not address the programme and left soon after.

Notably, Hooghly organisational district BJP president Gautam Chattopadhyay was absent from the programme, further fuelling speculation about internal rifts within the party.

BJP candidate Subir Nag stated that Irani had to leave due to another scheduled engagement, but acknowledged that her absence from the Ghori More meeting disappointed party workers.

He added that the inauguration of the “Annapurna Bhandar” scheme was also planned to be carried out by Irani, but in her absence, he performed the launch himself. Nag further said that if the BJP comes to power, women would be provided financial assistance of ₹3,000 per month.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey