Fresh Storm Brews Inside TMC as Senior MP Publicly Rebels
The Trinamool Congress faced another bout of internal turbulence on Thursday after senior MP Kalyan Banerjee openly questioned the party’s leadership and issued a striking ultimatum to West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
The veteran parliamentarian expressed anger over being removed as legal counsel in a case involving Abhishek Banerjee, a development he described as humiliating and disrespectful. His remarks have now brought simmering tensions within the party into the public spotlight.
‘Choose Abhishek or Me’: Kalyan Banerjee’s Direct Message to Mamata
Escalating the confrontation, Kalyan Banerjee revealed that he had conveyed a blunt message to Mamata Banerjee.
“This morning I also told Didi: choose between me and Abhishek Banerjee,” he told reporters.
The statement is being viewed as one of the strongest public challenges from within the Trinamool Congress leadership in recent years.
Anger Over Last-Minute Removal From Court Case
According to Kalyan Banerjee, he spent the night preparing legal arguments and secured an urgent hearing before the Calcutta High Court regarding the signature forgery case involving Abhishek Banerjee.
However, he claimed that he later discovered another petition had been filed and that a different lawyer would represent the TMC national general secretary.
Expressing his frustration, Banerjee said, “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. I have been in this profession for 45 years.”
He further added, “He has become so arrogant and does not respect anyone. That is why I have stepped aside.”
High Court Grants Interim Relief to Abhishek Banerjee
The controversy unfolded as the Calcutta High Court granted interim protection from arrest to Abhishek Banerjee in the alleged signature forgery case.
The court also directed him to appear before the West Bengal CID by the stipulated deadline. At the time of the order, Abhishek Banerjee was reported to be in Delhi.
Resignations and Revolt Add to TMC’s Troubles
The latest confrontation comes at a difficult time for the ruling party. The Trinamool Congress has recently witnessed a series of setbacks, including the resignation of multiple Rajya Sabha members.
Prakash Chik Barik became the third TMC MP to step down from the Upper House, following the exits of Sushmita Dev and Sukhendu Sekhar Roy.
Political observers view these developments as signs of growing dissatisfaction among sections of the party leadership.
58 MLAs Reportedly Defy Party Leadership
Adding to the pressure, reports of a major internal rebellion have further shaken the party.
A group of 58 legislators reportedly backed Ritabrata Banerjee for the post of Leader of the Opposition, rejecting the leadership’s preferred choice, Shovandeb Chattopadhyay.
The episode has fueled speculation about widening divisions within the Trinamool Congress and intensified questions about the party’s internal cohesion ahead of future political battles.
Biggest Challenge to TMC Leadership?
With senior leaders openly expressing dissatisfaction, lawmakers resigning, and reports of legislative rebellion surfacing, the Trinamool Congress appears to be navigating one of its most turbulent phases in recent memory.
