Kolkata, 11 May (H.S.) : Suspended Trinamool Congress leader Riju Dutta on Monday alleged that he was removed from the party after publicly thanking Bharatiya Janata Party leaders for helping protect his family following threats received after the West Bengal Assembly election results.

Dutta, who was suspended from the Trinamool Congress for six years, also levelled serious allegations regarding the party’s ticket distribution process. He claimed that political consultancy firm Indian Political Action Committee (IPAC) was effectively managing the party’s organisational affairs and that he was denied an Assembly election ticket after allegedly refusing to pay Rs 50 lakh.

Speaking to media persons, Dutta claimed that although he had initially been assured of a party nomination, he was later asked to arrange the money.

“For the last six months, IPAC has been running the party. I was told my ticket was confirmed. Then I was asked for Rs 50 lakh, which I could not arrange,” he alleged.

Dutta further claimed that the alleged demand did not come directly from the Trinamool Congress leadership but from individuals allegedly associated with IPAC. He alleged that a person identified as “Arjun” contacted him regarding the payment.

The suspended leader said he had remained loyal to the Trinamool Congress for over a decade and had actively worked for the party in politically sensitive areas, including Nandigram. However, he alleged that following the change in political power after the May 4 election results, his family members began receiving threats.

According to Dutta, his mother and wife allegedly received threatening phone calls, including threats of violence and sexual assault.

He claimed that during the situation, he reached out to several senior BJP leaders seeking assistance and support. According to him, BJP leaders responded to his calls and assured him of protection for his family members.

“I only thanked the BJP for saving my family, and just for this, I was removed from the party,” Dutta alleged.

Reacting to his suspension, Dutta said he did not consider the disciplinary action as punishment but rather as a reflection of his loyalty and honesty towards the party.

The Trinamool Congress has not yet issued an official response to Dutta’s allegations regarding the alleged demand for money in exchange for election tickets or his claims involving IPAC.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh