TMC MLA’s meet with Rajbongshi leader Ananta Rai, who supported BJP in state polls, triggers speculation 

TMC MLA Jagadish Barma Basunia’s recent meet with Rajbongshi leader Ananta Rai has triggered speculation whether the Trinamool Congress is trying to win over the GCPA leader who has openly backed the BJP in recent elections in West Bengal.

TMC MLA from Cooch Behar’s Sitai, Jagadish Barma Basunia, on Monday met the Greater Cooch Behar People’s Association (GCPA) leader Ananta Rai ‘Maharaj’ at a Rath Yatra event in Dinhata, fuelling speculation about the Rajbongshi leader’s possible change in political allegiance. While Ananta Rai refused to comment on the meet, Jagadish Barma Basunia termed it a mere courtesy call. TMC trying to win over Ananta Maharaj?TMC MLA Jagadish Basunia met the Greater Cooch Behar People’s Association (GCPA) leader at a #RathYatra event in Dinhata todayMaharaj, who in recent elections had backed the BJP holds considerable sway among the Rajbanshi community pic.twitter.com/uGlMgLB2vf In recent weeks, multiple TMC leaders from north Bengal have reportedly opened channels with Ananta Rai, the self-styled king of the Koch-Rajbongshi community in Cooch Behar and adjoining areas. Rumour mills went abuzz about a secret meeting between the GCPA leader with veteran TMC leader and former state minister Rabindranath Ghosh.