Kolkata, 7 January (HS): A controversy erupted over senior Congress leader Pradip Bhattacharya's recent remarks about atonement regarding the decision to expel Mamata Banerjee from the Congress decades ago. Weighing in on the matter, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee expressed her support for Bhattacharya's statement, saying, He is absolutely right.

During a press interaction on Tuesday after returning from Gangasagar, Mamata responded to questions about Bhattacharya's comments. Speaking at the helipad near Howrah's Dumurjala Stadium before heading to Nabanna, she succinctly remarked, He is right, and refrained from further elaboration.Pradip Bhattacharya's Regretful Tone Sparks DebateAt a party event earlier, Pradip Bhattacharya, a veteran politician and former Congress MP, had voiced regret over the Congress' decision to expel Mamata Banerjee. Reflecting on the past, he said, It was wrong to expel Mamata. The Congress is still atoning for it. He further added, I had advised against expelling Mamata, but Somen Mitra was pressured into taking the decision by the leadership.His comments refer to events from nearly three decades ago when a rift between Mamata Banerjee and the Congress leadership became apparent. Somen Mitra was prioritized, and Mamata was expelled under the influence of then-party leader Sitaram Kesri. Bhattacharya lamented, The pressure on Somen led to Mamata's expulsion, and the Congress is still paying the price.Despite creating ripples within the Congress, Mamata Banerjee has come out in support of Bhattacharya, endorsing his views.

Hindusthan Samachar / SP Singh