Bhusan Singh, a district Trinamul leader of Cooch Behar who chairs the board of administrators of the civic body, on Friday announced parallel names of presidents of party committees for all 20 wards of Cooch Behar.

During past 48 hours, this is Singh’s second move against Partha Pratim Roy, the district Trinamul chief.

On Wednesday, Roy announced names of ward committee presidents and office bearers of block and panchayat level committees, with Singh named as vice-president of the Cooch Behar Town Block committee. Singh immediately announced he was stepping down from the post as Roy had not discussed the names.

“Most ward presidents named by the district president are incompetent and do not know their own ward. We had given a list to Partha Pratim Roy but he picked up other names. That is why we held a meeting today and announced names of new ward presidents,” said Singh.

He added he did not need any post in the party and would continue to function as a common worker.

In past two days, Cooch Behar has seen Trinamul’s rift widen. Many block level leaders have tendered resignations from posts and expressed disappointment with Roy.

However, Udayan Guha, the Trinamul MLA of Dinhata, on Friday backed Roy. “The district president is doing his best. If anybody has a problem, he should sit and discuss them with him. Instead, they are resorting to childish activites,” said Guha.

TMC worker dead

Nadiram Mondal, 63, a Trinamul supporter at Baburhat village of Cooch Behar–II block, was found dead near his home with a sharp weapon nearby on Thursday evening. Trinamul leaders suspected murder and accused the BJP. BJP leaders denied the charges. Sources said residents spotted his body in a deserted place. Teams from Pundibari police station and Baneswar police outpost reached the spot and recovered the body and the weapon.