Painter Suvaprasanna, accused by Trinamul Congress chief Mamata Banerjee of raising money by “using her name” for his TV channel, continues to be the chairman of the passengers amenities committee (PAC) of the railways. He was appointed to head the five-member panel last year after Ms Banerjee took over as railway minister.
The painter stands accused of raising money for his television channel, Ekhon Samay, by using his proximity to the railway minister.
When contacted on Tuesday, Mr Suvaprasanna claimed it was his own money that had been pumped into the new channel.
He also said that he has “no problems with Ms Banerjee and that he continues to be the chairman of the passengers amenities committee”.
While his channel is being seen as a Trinamul channel, Mr Suvaprasanna asserted that it had no political leanings. He, however, admitted that Ms Banerjee “did help me get clearance for the channel”.
Regarding the allegations of raising money by invoking Ms Banerjee’s name, Mr Suvaprasanna said that the money for the channel had come from his own pocket. “Why will I beg for money in anybody’s name?” he asked. He added, “It is completely my own money. It is not necessary for me to take anybody’s money,” he remarked. Amidst indications that the channel has strong Trinamul links, Mr Suvaprasanna stoutly maintained that “it is a completely private channel... it is completely my channel.”
Asserting that he’s not a Trinamul member, the artist, however, admitted that Ms Banerjee “helped me get the licence at the last minute” from the information and broadcasting ministry.
While there were reports that the channel was in trouble and salaries were not being paid on time, the artist said, “There was a little bit of trouble. I depended on a couple of people. I’m not a businessman.”
A part of the “Paribartan Chai” (vote for change) brigade in West Bengal comprising civil society which has been actively supporting Ms Banerjee, Mr Suvaprasanna supported the Trinamul-led stirs in Singur and Nandigram in Bengal. His channel too, the painter said, would highlight the need for change.