"Very excited about joining TMC," said former Union Minister and sitting Member of Parliament, Babul Supriyo, on Saturday, 18 September, shortly after he joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
According to PTI, Supriyo also added that he will work for development of Bengal.
He also said that his previous decision to quit politics — as told to him by his friends — was "wrong and emotional".
Taking to Twitter, the party said:
"Today, in the presence of National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee and RS MP Derek O'Brien, former Union Minister and sitting MP @SuPriyoBabul joined the Trinamool family."
He was previously with the Bharatiya Janata Party.
What Else Did Babul Supriyo Say?
Referring to his decision — from earlier to quit politics — Supriyo, according to ANI, said:
"I meant it from my heart when I said I'll leave politics. However, I felt there was a huge opportunity that was entrusted upon me (on joining TMC)."
He also added that all his friends had told him that his decision to leave politics was "wrong and emotional".
"I'm very proud that I am changing my decision. I am coming back for a great opportunity to serve Bengal. I am very excited. I will meet Didi (CM Mamata Banerjee) on Monday. I am overwhelmed by the warm welcome."Babul Supriyo, according to ANI.
Supriyo also called himself a "workaholic" and told the press:
"I've taken this decision to work for the people of Bengal. There's no question of revenge here. I couldn't let go of this opportunity to serve the people of Bengal."
Further, he said that will resign as MP of Asansol.
When Babul Supriyo 'Quit Politics'
Previously, on 31 August, Supriyo had in a Facebook post announced a decision to quit politics, saying:
"Alvida (Goodbye). I’ve heard everything everyone had to say… Father, (mother), wife, daughter, some close friends… I’m saying this after listening to everything and feeling everything... I’m leaving... Social work can be done without politics as well – let me handle myself a bit…”
The announcement had come after he was dropped from the Cabinet. In reference to the same Supriyo said:
"... One question I will have to answer because it’s pertinent. The question will arise as to why I decided to quit politics? Does it have anything to do with me losing ministership? Yes there is – to some extent, for sure."
When Babul Supriyo Agreed to Stay MP; But 'Won't Join Any Other Party'
Babul Supremo had also in his 31 August post said that he will be resigning from the post of Member of Parliament too.
But two days later, on 2 August, he had announced he would continue to be MP, reportedly saying:
"There is politics beyond a constitutional post and I withdraw myself from it. I will not join any other party."
More Details
The 50-year-old has served as the minister of state (MoS) in several ministries since 2014, the last being the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change till July 2021, when the Cabinet reshuffle took place.
Shortly after Supriyo joined the TMC, BJP MP Swapan Dasgupta took to Twitter to shared that the development has made him sad. He also pointed out that Supriyo was an “asset” to the BJP and said: “For those of us for whom BJP is a lifelong commitment, the fight goes on—even in adverse circumstances.”
Meanwhile, TMC's Abhishek Banerjee told ANI that Supriyo joining their party is "just the beginning" and "many more (are) to come."
Centre Reduces Supriyo's Armed Security Cover: Report
Following Supriyo's entry in TMC, the Centre has reduced the armed security cover of central parliamentary commandos given to him from Z to Y category, reported PTI, citing unnamed official sources.
This means that Supriyo, who was so far being guarded by six-seven commandos, will now only be guarded by two armed personnel during travel.
Security cover given to VVIPS and high-risk individuals ranges from Z+ to X catagories. Z+ is the highest, followed by Z, Y+, Y and X categories.
PTI also quoted sources as saying that a further review of his cover cannot be ruled out. The job can also now entirely be handed to West Bengal police as he is now part of the TMC.
(With inputs from PTI and ANI)
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