The submission of resignations from different posts of the BJP continued in the Siliguri (organisational) district on Friday with Phansidewa MLA Durga Murmu quitting as a general secretary.
Murmu, who represents a tribal belt in the plains of Darjeeling district, had been appointed as the general secretary in the 22-member district committee constituted by the state BJP leadership.
Ever since the new committee was announced, around 34 leaders have vacated different posts because they are disgruntled with the selection of Arun Mondal as the district president. They also alleged that new entrants were given more importance than old and sincere leaders while forming the committee.
Murmu, in his resignation letter, said he was unable to deliver his responsibility as the general secretary and needed to devote more time to his Assembly constituency to consolidate the BJP's support base.
“Being an MLA, I have to focus on my constituency. Also, as I have to attend the Assembly in a regular manner, it is not possible for me to take this additional responsibility,” he said in the letter sent to Mondal.
A senior BJP functionary said the resignations showed that most leaders and workers were disappointed with the new district committee.
“Some more leaders will tender their resignations soon. We don’t think the current committee and the new president are competent enough to strengthen our organisation here,” he said.
Contacted, Murmu has reiterated that he needs to give more time to his constituency as the Lok Sabha polls are ahead.
“The Parliament elections are ahead and I think I should focus more on my Assembly seat to augment the party’s support base. That is why I have resigned from the post of the general secretary,” he said.
The district president, however, continued to be in denial mode when asked about the resignations, which is being seen as a fresh poser for the saffron camp ahead of the Parliament polls.
“I have come to know about their resignations only through the media. I don’t want to comment on the basis of it,” said Mondal.
