One day after dissident leaders occupied the Trinamool Congress headquarters in Kolkata and shortly after senior leader Chandrima Bhattacharya stepped down, party chief Mamata Banerjee criticized rebels in a video message, describing them as disloyal and emphasizing the value of grassroots workers over prominent figures.
During a Facebook live broadcast on Saturday, Banerjee also described recent actions against party members as state-sponsored terrorism and recalled that Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had previously been part of the party. The address occurs as Banerjee faces political pressure, with rebels dividing the party in the legislature and national parliament.
She stated she pays no attention to those who departed, values ordinary workers more than officials, and urged defectors to join the BJP if they dared. She questioned whether she or party workers were finished and noted that those who left sought to protect assets, while the focus remained on preserving the party.
Banerjee said opponents would never obtain the party symbol, even if the Election Commission granted it, and pledged to continue the fight with public support. Regarding Bhattacharya’s resignation and meetings with rebel legislators, she indicated prior knowledge and expressed indifference.
She questioned the timing of the rebellion just two months after assembly elections, noting the defectors had served as legislators and ministers for 15 years. Banerjee announced she would directly oversee the state unit, appointing Kunal Ghosh and Madan Mitra as general secretaries.
On the occupation of the headquarters, she explained the party paid rent until 2027 and said her residence would now function as the main office. She accused authorities of filing false cases against members and highlighted evictions and removals from welfare lists affecting women and vendors.
Banerjee urged workers to mark Martyrs Day despite restrictions and vowed to persist with the party’s programs. She expressed confidence in overcoming difficulties while continuing political efforts.
