Kolkata: In an image makeover bid, the Trinamool Congress may not give tickets to “tainted” leaders, who are either facing graft charges or have a poor public image, in the panchayat polls in West Bengal due next year. The TMC has started a major rectification drive after two senior leaders - former minister Partha Chatterjee and party’s Birbhum district president Anubrata Mondal - were arrested in connection with schools jobs scam and a cattle smuggling case respectively.
The party has effected three internal surveys, including one by Prashant Kishor’s I-PAC, in the last few months to assess the functioning and conduct of its elected representatives and leaders at all levels. ”Several surveys have been conducted, and a comprehensive report has been submitted to the party leadership. The process of weeding out rotten elements is underway.
”The rectification drive will peak during ticket distribution for panchayat polls next year. More than 50-60 per cent of the elected representatives might be dropped,” senior TMC leader Sougata Roy said.
Echoing him, TMC state vice-president Jay Prakash Majumdar said the organisational overhaul process started in August when presidents of several organisational districts were changed. “Since last month, the organisational overhaul is underway at all levels. It will be completed by November this year. While the media is busy with the schools jobs scam and cattle smuggling case, our party is silently undergoing major changes as part of the image makeover exercise,” he said.
