Former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Saturday launched a sharp attack on both the BJP and dissident leaders within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), asserting that she remains firm in her political stance nearly two months after the change of government in the state.
In a video message, Banerjee reiterated her allegation that the BJP had come to power through “stolen votes,” while accusing rebel leaders of betraying the party at a critical juncture. Directing her remarks at two rebel MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha, she questioned their timing, asking why they could not “wait patiently for even two months.”
The TMC has been grappling with an internal split since the Assembly election results were announced. A faction led by Ritabrata and Sandipan has formed a separate camp, claiming to represent the “real Trinamool,” and has already secured recognition as the opposition party in the Assembly. Speculation is rife that the group may also stake a claim to the party symbol before the Election Commission of India.
Amid this backdrop, Banerjee accused the dissidents of aligning with the BJP. “There should be a limit to betrayal. You are now openly siding with the BJP. You cannot align with the BJP while continuing to use the Trinamool name,” she said, challenging them to formally join the BJP if they had the courage.
She also addressed the looming tussle over the party symbol, alleging a larger conspiracy to weaken the party. “You might snatch the symbol, but it makes no difference. The real symbol is the one accepted by the people and by Trinamool workers,” she asserted.
In a pointed remark, Banerjee also took a swipe at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, reiterating claims of electoral manipulation and alleging attempts to dismantle the party using institutional mechanisms. She maintained that even if the party symbol were taken away, it would not affect the party’s grassroots support.
Throughout her address, Banerjee emphasised the role of party workers, describing them as the backbone of the organisation. She asserted that those who have remained loyal during the current crisis are the party’s true strength.
Making her position clear, Banerjee said she had no intention of stepping away from politics. “I am not going anywhere. To stop me, one would have to kill me,” she declared.
Political observers note that the ongoing rift within the TMC has reached a critical phase, with both factions staking claim to legitimacy. As tensions escalate over the party symbol, organisational control, and political direction, the conflict is expected to intensify further in the coming days.
Also read: WB to probe past irregularities, plans White Paper on Mamata era
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