TMC Internal Rift: MLAs Question Abhishek Banerjee's Leadership Before Mamata Banerjee

The internal discord within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has come to the forefront following a significant setback in the West Bengal Assembly Elections. During a high-stakes internal meeting held on Tuesday at Kalighat, the party's internal friction became evident as several MLAs openly questioned the leadership of Abhishek Banerjee in the presence of party supremo Mamata Banerjee. The primary bone of contention was the sudden withdrawal of Jahangir Khan, a candidate considered close to Abhishek Banerjee, from the Falta assembly seat just days before the scheduled polling on May 21.

The Falta Seat Controversy

The controversy centers around the Falta assembly constituency, where Jahangir Khan was the party's designated candidate. In a move that shocked the party leadership and rank-and-file alike, Khan withdrew his candidacy only 2 days before the voting was set to take place. This unexpected development has raised serious questions about the party's organizational strength and the decision-making process at the top level. Since Jahangir Khan is widely recognized as a close associate of TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, the fallout from his withdrawal has directly impacted Abhishek's standing within the party.

Heated Discussions at Kalighat

According to sources, the meeting at Kalighat was attended by both Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee. During the session, several MLAs expressed their dissatisfaction with the recent political developments in Falta and the overall organizational activities of the party. Specifically, 2 MLAs from Kolkata and 1 from Howrah were vocal in their criticism. Interestingly, these 3 legislators arrived at the Kalighat meeting together in the same vehicle, signaling a coordinated effort to raise these concerns before the top leadership.

The legislators demanded to know why no disciplinary action had been taken against Jahangir Khan for his last-minute withdrawal. They questioned how a candidate who reportedly enjoyed significant organizational support and proximity to top leaders could decide to step away from the contest so abruptly. The MLAs' remarks were seen as a direct, albeit indirect, swipe at Abhishek Banerjee, given that the Falta assembly seat falls under his Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency.

Absence of Key Legislators

Adding to the party's concerns is the notable absence of approximately 15 MLAs from this crucial meeting. While some cited poor health as the reason for their non-attendance, others provided different justifications. For instance, an MLA from Malda reportedly informed the leadership that he was in Delhi for some work. This level of absenteeism during a post-election review meeting has further fueled speculation about the depth of the internal rift within the TMC and the challenges facing the leadership in maintaining party unity.