Trinamool Furious Over BJP's Rajya Sabha Pick From Bengal
NDTV
Trinamool MP and spokesperson Santanu Sen said, "This only proves that BJP fans separatist movement in the state".
The BJP's decision to nominate Ananta Rai 'Maharaj' -- who has been demanding that a separate state of "Greater Cooch Behar" be carved out of West Bengal -- as its candidate for the upcoming Rajya Sabha elections, has set off a fresh storm, with the ruling Trinamool Congress accusing the party of fanning separatism in the state.
Ananta Rai said on Tuesday that the BJP has offered him a Rajya Sabha ticket after a meeting with Union Minister of State for Home Nisith Pramanik.
"I am happy that they have chosen me. I will try to serve the people of the state and my region," he told reporters after the news broke of his nomination by the BJP through a party notification from Delhi Wednesday morning.