Suvendu Adhikari was Mamata Banerjee's Man Friday, after Mukul Roy deserted her in 2017. He is a mass leader and the second most important leader after Banerjee in Trinamool Congress.
But certain moves by Adhikari recently has left his supporters in TMC confused. The party is divided in east Midnapore, which, 15 years ago, was the epicentre of violent Nandigram land movement. Adhikari was the man behind that movement, which led to the downfall of the Left Front in West Bengal.
The tension was growing for the past one year, since Banerjee's nephew Abhishek took control of the party's organisation. Adhikari, who is transport minister, could not accept Abhishek as his leader.
Both camps refused to acknowledge the differences. But the fire was ignited this week when Adhikari lashed out at those who considered him a political stooge.
Quoting Swami Vivekananda, Adhikari said, "None can change the world using the theory of I, me and myself. Those who preach that are living in fool's paradise."
He has been organising several public meetings but there was no mention of the chief minister or Trinamool Congress, let alone the picture of Banerjee on the banner, which is mandatory for the party leaders.
His supporters are divided in Nandigram and elsewhere in east Midnapore. The party's top brass is taking strong action against Adhikari's associates by removing them from key party posts.
Workers have been protesting against the isolation of Adhikari in the party. It has led to fresh infighting between the two camps of TMC.
Cabinet Minister Firhad Hakim recently visited east Midnapore and responded to Adhikari's jibe at the party saying, "None should consider himself above the party as well."
Adhikari's father, Sisir, is a TMC MP and former minister of state in UPA 1 government. Adhikari's brother Dibyendu is a Lok Sabha MP. Interestingly, Dibyendu is also following in the footsteps of his brother. Their father, Sisir, has been at the receiving end of Banerjee's ire because of his sons.
So, is Adhikari headed for BJP? Neither he nor the party has confirmed it.
"I have no knowledge about it," said BJP state vice president Biswarup Roychowdhury.
Adhikari has not yet shown much affinity publicly for BJP's brand of politics. He is known to listen to lectures of spiritual leaders and knows Sri Sri Ravi Shankar.
Whatever Adhikari decides, the political war in West Bengal is sure to heat up in the coming days.
