Bhattacharya had reportedly followed Stalin in questioning the CPI MP's credentials in terms of her mass following. Bhattacharya, it appears, was gently corrected by Benoy Chowdhury, formally his senior in the state cabinet and undoubtedly, his superior in terms of sobriety in judgment. Chowdhury pointed out that there were occasions in history when even one-half of one per cent had made a significant difference.