New Delhi: Amid growing turmoil within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), party chief Mamata Banerjee launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of attempting to engineer a split in her party through money power and intimidation. She also vowed to go ahead with a planned sit-in protest in Kolkata despite being denied police permission, daring authorities to arrest her.
In a video message posted on social media, Banerjee alleged that the political atmosphere in West Bengal had deteriorated and claimed that democratic protests were being suppressed. The protest was planned at Rashmoni Avenue in Kolkata against alleged attacks on TMC leaders and workers following the Assembly elections.
“If we are not allowed to hold a dharna there, I will sit wherever I am stopped. I am ready to be arrested,” Banerjee said, accusing the police of acting against the interests of a political party.
The former Chief Minister claimed that at least 12 TMC workers had been killed since the elections, while thousands of party activists had been arrested or forced to leave their homes. She alleged that some TMC leaders were being lured by financial incentives, while others were facing pressure through investigations by central agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The remarks come as the TMC faces internal unrest following the expulsion of two MLAs over alleged anti-party activities. Reports of dissatisfaction within the party and speculation about the formation of an “Asli Trinamool” faction have intensified concerns over a possible split.
Taking aim at former party leaders, Banerjee said those leaving the TMC were acting out of personal interest rather than ideology. Referring to expelled MLA Ritabrata Banerjee, she said the party had made a mistake by giving him an opportunity after his departure from the CPI(M).
Despite the crisis, Banerjee maintained that the TMC would overcome the challenge and emerge stronger from the current political turmoil.
