BJP MLA Ashok Lahiri likely to become PAC chairman

Sources in state BJP unit on Friday said BJP MLA from Balurghat Ashok Lahiri is likely to become chairman of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) in the West Bengal Assembly. They said the name of Mukul Roy is also considered in the race.

Notably, the West Bengal BJP had to face criticisms from supporters after the ace economist was initially fielded from the Alipurduar constituency. Following the dissent among the cadres Ashok later contested from Balurghat constituency.

“The Balurghat constituency is considered to be the strong citadel of the Left Front. Even during the 2019 Assembly election the BJP couldn’t do well, but this time around, BJP won the seat, so Ashok Lahiri is given priority. Moreover, he had been financial adviser to the Central government for long,” the sources said, adding keeping in mind Roy’s experience even his name is being considered for the post.

Incidentally, PAC audits the developmental work done by the state government for which MLA from the opposition is kept as PAC chairman. However, talking to FPJ, BJP Balurghat MLA Ashok Lahiri said he wasn’t aware of the development.

Eye on civic polls

Following the poll debacle, the BJP is now focusing on the civic polls in the state. Talking to Free Press Journal, West Bengal BJP chief Dilip Ghosh said he along with other leaders are holding meetings at different districts and asked the party cadres to reach out to the 107 municipalities in the state. “We never lose hope and every election in West Bengal is challenging,” he said.