Commission on Ritabrata Banerjee should have included a woman: Sitaram Yechury

The three- member probe commission of CPI(M) formed against expelled Rajya Sabha member, Ritabrata Banerjee should have at least one woman member, admitted CPI(M)

The three- member probe commission of CPI(M) formed against expelled Rajya Sabha member, Ritabrata Banerjee should have at least one woman member, admitted CPI(M) general secretary, Sitaram Yechury.

CPI(M) General Secretary Sitaram Yechury interacts with journalists in New Delhi on Monday. (PTI Photo)

Speaking to the media persons here on Wednesday, Yechury admitted that since there were complaints against Ritabrata by some women, technically it would have been better to have a woman member in the probe commission.

“We are always in favour of women reservations everywhere. Similarly it would have been better if a woman member been there in the commission,” Yechury said.

Meanwhile, CPI(M) sources said that altogether there 19 complaints relating to “immoral romantic liaisoning” against Ritabrata. “However, those who gave written complaints did not appear before the commission. Possibly, they could have turned up before the commission had there been a woman member. In that case, the charges against the expelled MP on this context would have been more forceful,” said a state committee member of the party.

Yechury said that since Ritabrata was being highlighted by the party as the face of youth leadership, he was given several chances to mend his ways. “That is why his rise within the party was much quicker. But ultimately considering all aspect, the decision to expel him from the party had to be taken,” Yechury said.