‘Threatened by BJP’, Purulia tribals join TMC

On the second day of his two-day visit to the state, Shah had visited the village as part of Jana Sampark Abhiyan and met a few families. TMC leader Madan Mitra slammed Shah for visiting the village and “forcing” families to join the BJP. “They were not only forced but threatened to join the BJP. Today, they have willingly come here to seek refuge in the TMC. They have realised that only Mamata Banerjee can give them shelter and usher in development,” Mitra said.

He also said that next time, Shah would be driven out of the homes of tribal families. “Last time, he had lunch in tribal family homes. This time, nobody offered him a chair. Next time, these people will drive him out of their homes. They consider him to be one of the dacoits of Chambal who came to the state to terrorise them,” said the TMC leader.

Slamming the TMC, BJP national secretary Rahul Sinha said the ruling party was indulging in petty politics. “The TMC proved how much it feels threatened by Shah’s visit… they forced and threatened a poor family to join their party,” he said.