TMC MLA dies of Covid; lockdown extended in WB

Three-time Trinamul Congress MLA Tamonash Ghosh died of Covid-19 on Wednesday morning, prompting West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to call for lockdown extension beyond June

30 in the state. The lockdown has been extended till July 31.

Ghosh (60) was the treasurer of the party. He was also her neighbour at Harish Chatterjee Street in Kalighat.

The Falta legislator in South 24 Parganas is the first MLA from West Bengal to fall prey to the deadly virus.

Detected with Covid19 in May, Ghosh was battling for life at a private hospital in the city. Another Trinamul MLA Sujit Bose, also the fire and emergency services minister, checked into the same hospital after he was infected following him. Though Bose recovered, Ghosh, a diabetic, could not.

Banerjee tweeted, “Very, very sad. Tamonash Ghosh, 3time MLA from Falta & party treasurer since 1998 had to leave us today. Been with us for over 35 years, he was dedicated to the cause of the people & party. He contributed much through his social work. He has left a void that will be difficult to fill. On behalf of all of us, heartfelt condolences to his wife Jharna, his two daughters, friends and well wishers.”

Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar tweeted, “Sad at the demise of

3-time Falta MLA Tamonash Ghosh. He was an experienced leader with promising prospects in times to come. Pray ALMIGHTY to bestow eternal peace on the departed soul. Heartfelt condolences to his wife, two daughters, friends and well wishers.”

Meanwhile, chairing an all-party meeting on Covid-19 pandemic and Cyclone Amphan devastation Banerjee said, “We discussed lockdown. It is not that all agreed with me. Some parties shared different opinions on the lockdown including an extension for another 15 days. Our responsibility is to help the country in view of the growth in the pandemic. Let us try to extend the lockdown again, keeping relaxations intact. School colleges and universities will remain shut till July

31. In the government sector, we will continue the work the staggered way.”

CHIEF MINISTER Mamata Banerjee said that not all leaders agreed with her during the meeting on extending lockdown.