Bidhannagar mayor stripped of his powers, councillors want him

The Trinamool Congress leadership Sunday clipped the wings of Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) Mayor Sabyasachi Dutta on the charge of making anti- party statements and handed over his powers to his deputy.

The decision was made at an emergency meeting of BMC councillors who urged party supremo Mamata Banerjee to take a call on Dutta's fate in the party. Senior TMC leader and minister Firhad Hakim was present at the meeting.

Dutta was not invited at the meeting, in which several councillors expressed their opinion that he should be removed from the mayor's post, TMC sources said.

"Several councillors even threatened to resign if Dutta continues as mayor. However, it was decided that party supremo Mamata Banerjee will take the final call," said a councillor who attended the meeting.

Interestingly, BJP leader Mukul Roy said Dutta is a "popular leader" who plays a role to help the saffron party.

TMC sources said it was decided at the meeting that henceforth the BMC's .