Madan Mitra has been behind bars since his arrest on December 12, 2014, except for a brief period in October 2015 when he was granted bail by a lower court. (File photo)
Expressing anguish over his continued detention in jail, former West Bengal minister and Saradha scam accused Madan Mitra today expressed his desire of taking a political "back seat" to prevent "backstabbing".
"I have been giving the 'agnipariksha' (trial by fire) for the last 18 months but there has been no respite. Whatever assistance they (CBI) wish for I am ready to give, but they will have to stop somewhere," the former Trinamool Congress legislator told media persons outside a city court.
Arrested and indicted by the Central of Bureau of Investigation in the multi-crore rupee Saradha scam, Mr Mitra was on the day denied bail yet again by a court.
He has been behind bars since his arrest on December 12, 2014, except for a brief period in October 2015 when he was granted bail by a lower court. The relief was subsequently cancelled by the Calcutta High Court.
Mr Mitra, who lost the recent Assembly polls even as his party swept back to power with a massive mandate, gave a cryptic reply when asked about his political future.
"If I am granted bail, I will never be in the front. I will prefer going into the corner at the back row, because chances of backstabbing are more when you are in front," he said.
Referring to football icon Lionel Messi who has announced international retirement, the former state sports and transport minister asserted his best game was yet to come.
"There is a difference between me and Messi. He took the decision of retiring after playing his best game, but my best game is yet to happen," added Mr Mitra.