Three ministers from Mamata Banerjee’s West Bengal government handed in their resignation on Tuesday, reportedly for the sharp rise of BJP in Bengal, especially in tribal areas in West Bengal. The BJP has done quite well in these districts in the recent panchayat elections. Backward Class Welfare Minister Churamani Mahato, Tribal Development Minister James Kujur and Abani Joardar, who did not hold a portfolio have ‘resigned‘ to concentrate on TMC’s organisational work for the upcoming general elections in 2019.
As per reports, Kujur and Mahato were forced to resign as the Chief Minister became agitated when it became apparent that her party has failed to keep the confidence of tribals in Bankura, Purulia, West Midnapore and Jhargram. The tribal area, which is also referred as Jangal Mahal, used to be a den of Maoist rebels. They shifted their alliance to TMC in 2011 but in the recent Panchayat polls, BJP emerged as a very strong contender in these areas.
It is believed that internal differences of the TMC is the cause of these resignations. One of the cabinet ministers reportedly told Hindustan Times, that last week, Trinamool secretary general Partha Chatterjee went to Jhargram and held a meeting with local leaders where several people complained against Mahato. Chatterjee then reported the matter to Mamata Banerjee. Following the scrutiny of their performances, decision was taken to remove them.