Q/ Your views on the large scale defection from your party to the BJP?
A/ The BJP has offered allurement and threats to our people. So, some of them could not stand their ground. Among them, only Suvendu [Adhikari] has a substantial fan following and is a strong leader. The others are not important.
Q/ Why do you say they are not important?
A/ Because they would not have been nominated from our party in the coming elections. Even we did, they would have lost. I do not know why the BJP is celebrating; only six MLAs other than Suvendu have left.
Q/ Six MLAs, but many other leaders, too, including one MP.
A/ Yes, but like I said, they would not have received nominations.
Q/ Do you feel Suvendu will make a massive impact?
A/ No. See, Suvendu is an MLA from Nandigram, which has around 40 per cent Muslim population. So, he would not get Muslim votes this time. Had he floated his own party, he would have had some chance to retain the vote bank.
Q/ Don’t you think he would have considered that?
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