Independent legislator joins Trinamool

Kolkata, March 24 (IANS) Hamidul Rehman, an independent legislator from West Bengal's North Dinajpur district, Saturday officially joined the ruling Trinamool Congress.

"We have informed the Speaker in writing that Hamidul Rehman from now on will work with the Trinamool Congress legislative party," Trinamool secretary general Partha Chatterjee said here.

Hamidul won from Chopra in last year's assembly elections, defeating the Trinamool candidate with Congress backing.

Rehman had earlier alleged that the Congress, a constituent of the Mamata Banerjee-led government, was not interested in the development in his area.

The Congress has time and again accused the Trinamool of trying to weaken it in the state by luring Congress leaders and workers with promises of plum posts and perks.

Hamidul's decision is a blow to the Congress, particularly its MP Deepa Dasmunsi, who represents Raigang in North Dinajpur.

Deepa and Trinamool supremo Mamata Banerjee do not see eye to eye and the latter has been sparing no effort to weaken Deepa's base.