Arup Chakraborty, councillor of the All India Trinamool Congress and former chairperson of the Finance and Accounts Committee of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, said he resigned from the post after the party's electoral defeat in Kolkata and concerns over the internal functioning of the TMC.
In an interview with Ei Samay, Chakraborty said the party must respect the public mandate and admitted that the defeat reflected growing public dissatisfaction.
"We have lost the elections. The people of Kolkata have given a mandate against us. It is the sign of a true democracy to respect the mandate of the people," he said.
Explaining his resignation, he added that the committee had not held meetings for several months and he no longer felt he could contribute effectively in the role.
"The committee from which I have resigned hasn't held meetings in the last 7-8 months. So, I will not hold any position in which I am not able to contribute," Chakraborty said.
Questions over party functioning and leadership access
Chakraborty also raised concerns over the distance between grassroots workers and the party leadership.
"Mamata Banerjee stayed on the ground. But those who enclosed Mamata Banerjee within double-zone security, have they allowed common workers near her? Have MLAs been allowed near her?" he asked.
Referring to a recent protest programme in Dharmatala, he questioned the role of celebrities at political events.
"Even during the recent dharna in Dharmatala - how many of the people present were political elements, and how many were celebrities? MLAs brought supporters from districts, but were not permitted any place on the dias. Where are those celebrities now?" he said.
However, Chakraborty clarified that he had decided against resigning as councillor because local residents still depended on him for civic work and documentation.
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RG Kar case affected women voters, says Chakraborty
The TMC leader also linked the party's declining support among women voters to the RG Kar Medical College rape and murder case.
"The RG Kar rape and murder case is the main reason why we lost the support of the women," he said.
While stating that the accused had been arrested by the then-state administration and the arrest later ratified by the CBI, Chakraborty questioned the transfer of former RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh after the incident.
"But, why was Sandip Ghosh given a promotional posting right after the incident? Under whose influence was this decision taken?" he asked.
