Babul Supriyo back in politics, joins Trinamool Congress

Babul Supriyo has joined the Trinamool Congress today. He was welcomed into the party by TMC General Secretary Abishek Banerjee and TMC RS MP Derek O'Brien.

Kolkata: Former Union Minister Babul Supriyo has joined the Trinamool Congress today. The former BJP leader was welcomed into the party by Trinamool Congress's National General Secretary Abishek Banerjee and Trinamool's Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien at a ceremony in Kolkata.

Trinamool Congress made the announcement via a Twitter post, welcoming Supriyo to the party. Derek O'Brien also took to the microblogging site to share news, using TMC's election slogan "Khela Hobe."

Supriyo, who is a Member of Parliament from the Asansol constituency in West Bengal, had, in July, announced his decision to quit politics. His decision came after the BJP faced a crushing defeat in the West Bengal assembly election this year. Supriyo had hinted at differences with the state BJP leadership and losing his ministerial berth as being the prime reasons behind his decision.

"I meant it from my heart when I said I'll leave politics. However, I felt there was a huge opportunity that was entrusted upon me (on joining TMC). All my friends said my decision to leave politics was wrong and emotional," the former BJP leader said while talking to media after joining TMC today.

Expressing excitement for a new phase in politics, Supriyo said, "I'm very proud that I am changing my decision. I am coming back for a great opportunity to serve Bengal. I am very excited. I will meet Didi (CM Mamata Banerjee) on Monday. I am overwhelmed by the warm welcome."

While announcing his decision to leave active politics in July, Supriyo had hinted that he would not be joining any other political party, saying that he was a one-team player and had been with only one party - the BJP.

Talking to reporters today, however, Supriyo sang a different tune. "Didi and Abhishek have given me a great opportunity. As I have joined TMC, there is no point in holding on to my seat in Asansol. I've come into politics because of Asansol. I will do for that constituency as much as possible," he said.