Former India Footballer and MLA Dipendu Biswas Returns to Trinamool Congress Fold
In a significant political development in West Bengal, former India footballer and ex-Basirhat South MLA Dipendu Biswas officially rejoined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Sunday. The induction ceremony took place at the TMC's central office in Basirhat, marking Biswas's return to the party he had left ahead of the 2021 assembly elections.
Political Homecoming for Biswas and Local Leaders
The event saw not only Biswas but also other prominent local figures crossing over to the TMC. Kader Sardar, the president of Basirhat I block Congress, and Parthasarathi Basu, former vice-chairman of Basirhat Municipality, joined the Trinamool Congress alongside Biswas. The ceremony was conducted in the presence of TMC MLA Saptarshi Banerjee, underscoring the party's focus on strengthening its grassroots presence in the region.
A Journey of Political Shifts for Dipendu Biswas
Dipendu Biswas's political trajectory has been marked by notable shifts. In the 2016 assembly election, the TMC nominated him from Basirhat South, and he emerged victorious. However, the party did not renominate him for the 2021 polls, which left him disheartened. Subsequently, Biswas joined the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) but was denied a ticket there as well, according to senior TMC sources.
"In the 2016 assembly election, TMC had nominated Dipendu from Basirhat South, and he won the polls. In 2021, the party did not renominate him, leaving him upset. He subsequently joined BJP, but was denied a ticket there as well," a TMC senior official revealed. Sources further indicated that Biswas was appointed as a permanent member of BJP's state committee, but he resigned within a few months, signaling his dissatisfaction.
Biswas Admits Mistake, Pledges Support to Development Efforts
Addressing the media on Sunday, Dipendu Biswas openly admitted that leaving the Trinamool Congress was an error. "CM Mamata Banerjee is carrying out development work in Basirhat. I rejoined TMC to be a part of that effort," he stated, emphasizing his commitment to contributing to the region's progress under the TMC's leadership.
When questioned about whether he expects a ticket in the upcoming assembly election, given his status as a 'son of the soil' in Basirhat, Biswas responded diplomatically. "I will carry out whatever responsibility the party assigns to me," he said, highlighting his willingness to serve in any capacity deemed fit by the party.
BJP Downplays Impact of Biswas's Return
In response to Biswas's rejoining of the TMC, BJP leaders sought to minimize its significance. A senior BJP figure commented, "Dipendu Biswas had no significant impact or activity during his brief tenure in BJP. His decision to rejoin TMC will have no impact — certainly not in Basirhat." This statement reflects the BJP's stance that the move is unlikely to alter the political dynamics in the area.
The return of Dipendu Biswas to the Trinamool Congress underscores ongoing political realignments in West Bengal, particularly in the Basirhat region, as parties gear up for future electoral battles. With local leaders like Kader Sardar and Parthasarathi Basu also joining, the TMC aims to consolidate its support base and reinforce its organizational strength ahead of key elections.
