Satyendranath Ray, the BJP MLA from Gangarampur, has been served a show-cause notice by the party for making objectionable and derogatory remarks on social media against Union Minister and senior state BJP leader Sukanta Majumder. The action follows a recommendation from the BJP’s state disciplinary committee and was issued under the directive of state president Shamik Bhattacharya. Ray has been asked to submit a satisfactory explanation within seven days.
The controversy comes in the wake of the recent announcement of presidents for the governing bodies of government colleges. Traditionally, these positions are assigned to local MLAs or MPs. However, Ray was overlooked for any such role. Instead, Majumder was appointed president of the governing bodies for both Balurghat and Gangarampur colleges. This decision reportedly led to resentment within Ray.
Amid the developments, Trinamool Congress leader Biplab Mitra publicly praised Majumder’s credentials, even suggesting that he could head universities in Kolkata. Shortly thereafter, Ray took to social media to launch a veiled attack on both Majumder and Mitra.
Without naming them directly, Ray used the Bengali idiom “chore chore mastuto bhai” (birds of a feather), implying a collusive relationship. He alleged that there was a covert understanding between certain BJP and Trinamool leaders aimed at weakening the party.
Allegations of internal conspiracy
In his post, Ray referred to a former Trinamool leader from the “Kalighat camp” who, according to him, was now portraying himself as a “good Trinamool” member while praising Majumder. He remarked that the relationship between the two leaders was akin to that of close relatives who avoid speaking against each other.
Ray further alleged that some BJP leaders maintain secret ties with Trinamool figures and are conspiring to fracture the party from within. He also criticized the idea of seeking advice from Trinamool leaders on matters such as appointing the Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University.
Highlighting the demographic composition of South Dinajpur district, Ray argued that such political manoeuvres overlook the interests of the 96 percent rural population. He concluded by leaving the matter to the judgment of the people of Gangarampur and South Dinajpur.
Party responds with disciplinary action
The BJP state leadership took a stern view of Ray’s remarks, citing a breach of party discipline, particularly because the comments targeted a Union Minister from within the party. Political observers are now closely watching how Ray responds to the notice within the stipulated seven-day period.