Bengal Sports Minister quits days after several TMC leaders joined BJP
West Bengal Sports Minister Laxmi Ratan Shukla, 39 resigned from his post on Tuesday. His decision came days after several Trinamool Congress leaders left the party and joined the BJP. Mr. Shukla is a Member of Legislative Assembly of Howrah constituency. He mentioned in his letter that he wanted to 'retire' from politics. Former captain of the Bengal Ranji team, joined TMC in 2016 and won in the state elections.
"I have received his resignation letter. Laxmi is a good boy and he wants to return to sports. There is no misunderstanding... He will continue as MLA till the election and I have recommended to the governor that his resignation should be accepted," CM Mamata Banerjee said. Ms Banerjee had a setback when long- time party member, Suvendu Adhikari joined the BJP. Along with Suvendu, his youngest brother, Soumendu Adhikari and a dozen party members joined the BJP last week.
Once the party councilors left TMC, Ms Banerjee said at the launch of the party's election campaign that she would not tolerate such people who are leaving the party after profiting from it for 10 years. The state elections are likely to be held in April- May.
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