India
oi-Ashish Rana
The internal turmoil within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) intensified on Thursday after senior party MP Kalyan Banerjee publicly challenged party chief Mamata Banerjee to choose between him and her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee. The dramatic statement comes at a time when the party is grappling with growing dissent, resignations, and fears of a wider split following recent political setbacks.
Senior TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee publicly challenged party chief Mamata Banerjee to choose between him and nephew Abhishek Banerjee, citing Abhishek’s alleged arrogance and disrespect amid escalating internal party dissent following recent electoral setbacks.
A long-time loyalist of Mamata Banerjee, Kalyan made it clear that while his allegiance to the West Bengal Chief Minister remains intact, his differences with Abhishek have reached a breaking point.
Kalyan Banerjee Targets Abhishek’s Leadership Style
Launching a sharp attack on the TMC national general secretary, Kalyan Banerjee accused Abhishek Banerjee of arrogance and disrespect towards senior leaders.
“I am still with Didi but won’t tolerate Abhishek Banerjee’s arrogance. I have quit all cases related to Banerjee,” Kalyan Banerjee said.
His comments have added fresh fuel to the ongoing political unrest within the party. While Kalyan has been vocal against rebel lawmakers in recent days, his latest remarks have sparked speculation that divisions within the TMC may be widening beyond the existing rebellion.
Legal Dispute Becomes Flashpoint
The immediate trigger for the confrontation appears to be a disagreement over a legal matter linked to allegations regarding forged MLA signatures submitted to the West Bengal Assembly.
According to Kalyan Banerjee, he was not informed before a separate writ petition was filed and another lawyer was assigned to handle the matter.
“Around 12.30 pm, a lawyer came and informed me that a separate writ petition had been filed regarding the search and that a senior lawyer would be handling it. I asked, ‘If you had already filed this matter, why didn’t you discuss it with us? This is completely illegal.'”
The case gained attention after searches were conducted at the Kolkata offices associated with both Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. Kalyan claimed he had worked extensively on securing an urgent hearing before the Calcutta High Court.
“I spent the night preparing the case. Even today, you can see that I am going everywhere, taking risks and doing my work. Yet their habit of showing disrespect has not changed. He (Abhishek Banerjee) thinks everyone is beneath him, as if everyone is merely an employee from Camac Street,” Banerjee said.
‘I Deserve Respect’: Kalyan’s Ultimatum To Mamata
The veteran MP also expressed frustration over what he described as a lack of respect despite spending over four decades in the legal profession.
“He (Abhishek) has become so arrogant… does not respect anyone. That is why I have stepped aside. This morning I also told Didi: choose between me and Abhishek Banerjee,” Kalyan said.
Kalyan stressed that his loyalty to Mamata Banerjee remains unchanged for now, but indicated that his future within the party would depend on her decision.
“Let Didi decide whats she wants to do. Till now I am with her,” Banerjee said, adding: “If Didi decides to go with Abhishek then I would decide my own.”
Rebellion And Resignations Add To TMC’s Troubles
The public clash comes against the backdrop of growing unrest within the Trinamool Congress following its heavy electoral setback against the BJP last month.
Opposition to Abhishek Banerjee’s leadership has become a rallying point for dissident leaders. Earlier this month, 58 TMC legislators reportedly distanced themselves from Abhishek and appealed directly to Mamata Banerjee for guidance. The group was led by expelled leader Ritabrata Banerjee and represented more than three-fourths of the party’s MLAs in the state.
Signs of discontent have also emerged in Parliament. Several MPs have moved away from the party line, raising concerns about a potential organisational split. Among the latest departures were Rajya Sabha members Sushmita Dev and Prakash Baraik, whose resignations have intensified speculation about possible political realignments, including a move towards the BJP.
With tensions escalating and senior leaders openly challenging Abhishek Banerjee’s authority, the coming days could prove crucial for Mamata Banerjee as she attempts to contain one of the most serious internal crises faced by the Trinamool Congress in recent years.
