Kolkata: He was glued to the TV and watched every little development keenly. Suddenly, a news flashed on the screen: "Madan Mitra parajito" (Madan Mitra defeated).
Madan covered his face and a stony silence swept the room. Mitra, who expected to win from Kamarhati, knew that his political career was at crossroads.
A close aide of Mitra opened the door and murmured "they sabotaged". Before the aide could explain, Mitra said, "I lost because of some councillors." Mitra had reports that at least two of his key campaigners were seen with a CPM leaders before the polls. But being confined to the hospital made him powerless and he could hardly do anything.
Few days before his constituency went to polls, Mitra told one of his aide that this year he needs to win in order protect his family. "In politics when you are out of power, people don't come to rescue when your house is on fire. This time I have to protect my family," Mitra had reportedly told the aide. The aide who stood outside his cabin in SSKM on Thursday said, "It will be tough for him now. Especially when the party has performed so well this time."
Mitra's wife Archana, who has been inside the cabin since morning, tried to break his silence. She requested Mitra to have some food. For the past few days, Mitra was having problems with digestion. Silently he pulled the rice plate towards him and started eating. Madan's enthusiasts and supporters from Kamarhati were missing sisnce morning. The few who were waiting outside the hospital could not muster courage to meet him.
Just then, Madan's son swung open the cabin door and his elder son Swarup came inside with the new-born baby. "Abar notun kore suru korte habe. Rajnitite kichhui sesh hayna" (We start afresh. Nothing ends in politics)," added Mitra, the moment he saw his son. But for Madan, starting afresh will not be easy given his heath conditions.
Although Manas Mukherjee managed to snatch the seat from Mitra, Left Front's overall performance had stymied the joyous mood. "People have not accepted someone who siphoned off money from Saradha," added Mukherjee. TMC supporters, however, were happy with the party's performance but Mitra's defeat had saddened them.
For the handful of loyalists gathered downstairs the only silver lining is the belief that he will be released on bail. "He is no longer an MLA now. There is no way he can influence the Saradha enquiry," a loyalist said. Mitra is due to appear at the Alipore Court on May 31.
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