The Darjeeling district committee of the Trinamul Congress has decided to screen people wanting to join the party from the block levels to the district, the decision coming as a part of an overall strategy to check the antecedents of new entrants to the ruling party.

This is the first time such a process is being adopted by the party in the district, said a source, adding that the step is being taken to ensure that the public at large does not get any wrong signal at a time leaders from various parties are making a beeline to join the party even in a district where Trinamul has not fared well in polls.

Election to the Siliguri Municipal Corporation is due and many expect the state government to conduct the same soon. Against this backdrop, the district committee’s decision is vital.

Ranjan Sarkar, president, Darjeeling district committee (plains) of Trinamul, said there were allegations that people involved in “wrongdoings” had managed to get entry into the party at the grassroots.

“There are allegations that people involved in wrongdoings have either managed to get entry or are trying to enter the party. We have decided to ask leaders right from the block level to district level to screen those wanting to join the party before they are inducted,” said Sarkar.

The Darjeeling district committee has also started conducting inquiries on allegations raised against new party members.

“We are carrying out necessary inquiries about new members against whom allegations have been raised. If we find the allegations have merit, we will showcause (them). None will be spared if found guilty,” said Sarkar.

The leader said many people are joining the Trinamul after it swept the recent Bengal Assembly polls with three-fourths majority.

Many in the party believe that some new members could have joined the ruling party just “for political shelter”.

“If we are not careful the new entrants could do more harm than good to the party,” said another leader.

Trinamul leaders said they “welcome everybody to our party” but added the district committee had decided to be more vigilant.

“Everyone will have to go through a proper screening process. This will be carried out from the block to the district level and the report will be sent to the state leadership for final approval,” said Sarkar.

In case of heavyweights from other parties joining, the final decision is always taken by the state leadership. The new decision seems to be aimed at screening local leaders and supporters.

Trinamul has not fared well in elections in Darjeeling district. During the 2021 Bengal Assembly election, the party candidates lost from all the five assembly segments in the district. Gautam Deb, one of the well-known faces of the party from north Bengal and two-time minister, lost from Dabgram-Fulbari seat.

“We are hoping for a better performance in the coming elections and for this we have to be vigilant and avoid sending out a wrong message to people,” said a leader.