TMC leader resigns as advisor over differences with Mamata

, March 7: Trinamool Congress (TMC)

Saugata Roy has resigned as advisor to the

government's commerce, industries and IT ministry over alleged differences with Chief Minister

. "Yes, Saugata Roy has resigned from the post of adviser to the state government's commerce, industries and IT department," a senior TMC leader said on condition of anonymity.

Roy who was in Delhi could not be contacted. His resignation came days after he questioned the possibility of setting up large industries in the state.

Roy had said that the possibility of setting up large industries in the state was very bleak and the future of the state depended on small and medium-scale industries. Roy's comment was interpreted in political circles as criticism of Mamata Banerjee's land policy, which advocated that the state government would have no role to play in land acquisition for industries in the state.

Roy's comments had previously drawn sharp reaction from industries minister Partha Chatterjee who said that the problem was not land, but lack of infrastructure. Earlier, Roy had openly slammed the TMC's student wing for allegedly attacking teachers and principals of schools and colleges.

Meanwhile, industries minister Partha Chatterjee told reporters here that he had no information about resignation of Saugata Roy as advisor to the commerce, industries and IT ministry. "I have no information. Saugata Roy is one of our veteran leaders. I can't give an imaginary answer," the minister said. To a question, Chatterjee said there were no differences between him and Roy.

PTI