Kolkata, February 21 BJP Rajya Sabha MP Nagen Roy, also known as Ananta Maharaj, a leader of the Rajbangshi community, was felicitated at the International Language Day event in the city, which was attended by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Maharaj, whose relationship with the saffron party has been strained in recent months, was felicitated by Banerjee as he sat on the stage, accompanied by senior ministers Aroop Biswas and Indranil Sen, and TMC leaders.
Offering him an "uttariya" (shawl) and a plaque, Banerjee said, "We are honoured and privileged to have you here. Stay happy and take care of your health."
Her event was not political; she was attending an event to observe International Mother Language Day as the chief minister.
Raising speculation about his next political move, Maharaj later told reporters: "The Centre has only been discriminating and neglecting our community, which joined the Indian republic with great hope and expectations. Our region has been subjected to neglect by successive central governments, including the present one, for years."
When reminded that he is a member of the ruling party at the Centre, he retorted: "Can't I talk about the development of India? Are we not part of the country?"
Elections to the 294-member assembly of West Bengal are due in a few months.
Earlier, Banerjee had met him several times at his residence in Cooch Behar, and he welcomed her with a traditional scarf and "guwa paan" (betel leaf).
The TMC wrested the Cooch Behar Lok Sabha seat from the BJP, defeating incumbent MP Nisith Pramanik by nearly 40,000 votes in 2024. The election results have led to speculation about whether fresh political equations are emerging, given Maharaj's influence over a significant section of the Rajbanshi community members in the region.
The state BJP has yet to respond to the development.