Return of the prodigal son: BJP's Mukul Roy back in TMC fold

In a blow to the prestige of the BJP, it's national Vice President Mukul Roy along with son Subhranshu, re-joined Trinamool Congress on Friday, with Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and other leaders of the state's ruling party welcoming the prodigal back to their fold.

Roy, who was closeted with Banerjee in Trinamool Bhavan before his formal re-induction in the party he helped set up, said he was "happy to see all known faces again".

Addressing a press meet after the re-joining ceremony, Banerjee said Roy was threatened and tortured in the BJP, and that, in turn, affected his health. "Mukul's return proves that the BJP does not let anyone live in peace and puts undue pressure on everyone," the chief minister said.

At the re-joining ceremony, Roy was seated on Banerjees left hand, with Abhishek seated after him, whil Partha Chatterjee, another top TMC leader sat on her right, indicative according to party sources, of TMC's possible future pecking order.