In a major embarrassment for the BJP, two party workers with whom party President Amit Shah had his much publicised lunch last week at Naxalbari, have joined the Trinamool Congress.

Raju Mahali and his wife Geeta joined the TMC in the presence of West Bengal Tourism Minister Goutam Deb in Siliguri.

A red-faced BJP claimed that the two BJP workers were abducted and forcibly made to join the Trinamool Congress.

The images of Shah sitting cross-legged on the floor of Mahalis house at South Katiajote village eating rice, dal, potol bhaja (fried gourd) squash curry, salad and papad served on a banana leaf went viral.

Addressing party workers on April 25, Shah said, "I may have addressed several rallies across the country, but let me tell you nothing is more satisfying than today's meeting in this tiny village in Bengal".

A week later, the couple, residents of South Kotiajote in Naxalbari police station area, joined the Trinamool Congress.


Image: Amit Shah eating lunch at the Mahali home in Naxalbari last week.