West Bengal: Actor Tanusree Chakraborty quits BJP, says ‘no regrets’

KOLKATA: Actor Tanusree Chakraborty, who had contested the Bengal assembly polls on a BJP ticket from Shyampur, has quit the party to concentrate full-time on her film career. Soon after her exit, she said the draft changes to the Cinematograph Act were not in the interest of cinema. “The government had asked for feedback on the proposed amendments. I believe the amendment allowing certified films to be recalled is not pro-cinema,” she said.
On why she decided to quit politics, Chakraborty said: “I want to be free of any political colour.One has to study more to be in politics. However, I don’t regret what I did. Contesting too was a learning process for me.” Does she regret her political speeches during her campaign? “In retrospect, we often wonder if we would have acted differently had the same thing happened now. But, I have no regrets about joining or quitting politics. One doesn’t need to join politics to serve the people,” she said.
Many celebrities within the BJP had been against the actor’s poll nomination. They had claimed she wouldn’t stick with the party for long. “I never lusted for power. I still want to do my bit for the people, but without any party stamp... I would prefer getting a ticket not because of my celebrity status, but for the work I have done,” she said.
Actor-turned-BJP worker Rupa Bhattacharjee told TOI that Chakraborty’s political decisions would not alter their “friendship”. “Any person can join or quit politics. It’s good that she has quickly understood that politics is not for her. I respect her honesty in admitting so,” Bhattacharjee said.
Bhattacharjee, however, questioned why the party gave tickets to newcomers and ignored the likes of Suman Banerjee and Sarbari Mukherjee. “They have been working for the party all along and were still ignored. It’s much more relevant to question how a regimented party like BJP accepted such a system of nomination,” she said.
Suman Banerjee, the cultural convener of Bengal BJP, said while some were lucky in politics, it was not a space that encouraged the likes of “one-film wonders”. “You cannot just walk in and become a leader. You need to give it time. Those who thought they’ll come, spend a few months and then become MLAs/MPs are so wrong. Now, they are moving away because their dreams have been dashed. This, though, will not impact a party like BJP,” he said. The actor was not given a BJP ticket despite joining the party in 2012. “It’s time for the party to think seriously before deciding on who to nominate for elections,” he added.
Actor-turned-BJP worker Anindya Pulak Banerjee said he was not surprised over the turn of events. “I don’t know if those who joined BJP just before the elections, got nominated, contested and then lost were ever serious about politics. They saw some interest in joining a party. That interest could be monetary or a desire to enjoy power. I doubt if they joined after understanding the ideals of BJP. I wouldn’t be surprised if more such people suddenly realise that politics is not their cup of tea. Politics was glamour for them. They are all confused and suffering from political disillusionment,” he said.