Mamata Banerjee Cracks Down on Internal Feud, Warns TMC Leaders Against Public Spats

TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has issued a strict warning to party leaders, prohibiting public discussions of differences and threatening disciplinary action for violations. The directive aims to quell an ongoing internal conflict within the party.

Amidst an ongoing internal feud between party veterans and new generation leaders, Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee has issued a stern warning to party leaders, instructing them to refrain from publicly discussing differences. The directive was issued during a closed-door organizational meeting of the West Midnapore district unit on Wednesday, January 10.

Banerjee Demands Unity, Disciplined Conduct

Banerjee emphasized that public spats among leaders will not be tolerated and urged party members to address grievances with the leadership internally. A senior TMC official present at the meeting, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that the party supremo made it clear that no one should speak out in public. Any violation of these instructions will result in disciplinary action against the offender.

New Spokespersons to be Enlisted

The meeting, attended by TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee and state president Subrata Bakshi, saw Mamata Banerjee assigning the duo the task of enlisting a panel of new state spokespersons. Sources within the party revealed that the decision was prompted by the actions of Kunal Ghosh, the state general secretary and spokesperson, who is considered close to Abhishek. Ghosh has been openly critical of senior party members.

Opposition BJP Reacts

The developments within the state's ruling party drew sharp reactions from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Samik Bhattacharya, BJP state spokesperson, criticized the TMC, stating that a circus is going on within the party while the entire state is burning due to a lawless situation.

Internal Feud Continues

Mamata Banerjee's intervention comes amidst an ongoing internal feud with veteran party members, perceived to be close to her, at odds with the new generation leaders, considered close to Abhishek. The recent controversy erupted in November when the chief minister advocated for respecting senior members and dismissed the notion that old leaders should retire from active politics. Abhishek Banerjee, on the other hand, endorsed a retirement age in politics, citing a decline in work efficiency and productivity with advancing age.

Party Divided on Retirement Age Issue

The party appears divided on the issue, with senior leaders not willing to embrace the maximum age limit theory proposed by Abhishek, and the youth brigade seeking more space in the party. This ongoing controversy recalls a two-year-old internal struggle within the TMC between the old guard and the younger faction. In January 2022, amidst rumors of an alleged power struggle, Mamata Banerjee dissolved all national office-bearer committees, including the post of national general secretary held by her nephew Abhishek Banerjee. Subsequently, a new committee was formed, and Abhishek was reinstated as the party's national general secretary.

Abhishek's Growing Prominence

Since then, Abhishek has not only gained prominence within the party but is also considered the de facto number two in the state's ruling dispensation. However, the recent internal conflicts have highlighted the challenges faced by the TMC in managing the transition between the old guard and the new generation of leaders.

As the TMC navigates these internal challenges, the party's ability to maintain unity and discipline will be crucial in shaping its future prospects and electoral success in the upcoming elections.