KOLKATA: CPM MP Ritabrata Banerjee was suspended from party for three months on Friday for his ‘luxurious lifestyle’ that the party said is against ‘communist ideals’.
According to sources, the CPM state committee took the decision after a meeting at party headquarters on Friday after several complaints were submitted against the CPM MP by party members regarding his ‘luxurious lifestyle’.
A three-member commission has been formed against the youth MP which would examine whether the Rajya Sabha MP’s lifestyle was ‘appropriately communist’ or not.
Speaking to media, CPM state secretary and politburo member Surjya Kanta Mishra said that CPM is known for its discipline unlike TMC or BJP. “We are not like TMC or Sangh Parivar. We live by our discipline and everyone has to follow it,” he said.
The Rajya Sabha MP had grabbed attention a few months ago when he was noticed wearing an Apple watch and expensive luxury pen of Montblanc Meisterstück series. Sources revealed that the MP was issued a stern warning at that time.
The party had adopted several resolutions at the party plenum held last year where it was decided to check luxury lifestyles and disproportionate assets of leaders. Many believe Ritabrata’s expulsion is in line with the resolutions adopted at the plenum.