Has Abhishek Banerjee become the biggest reason for the growing discontent within TMC? After all, why are the rebel leaders of TMC opposing Abhishek Banerjee? Are senior party leaders angry with Abhishek Banerjee’s working style? How responsible is Abhishek Banerjee for the growing rebellion in TMC?
TMC Crisis: Abhishek Banerjee, nephew of former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and MP from Diamond Harbor, has currently become one of the most controversial faces within the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Many leaders who have left the party say that Abhishek Banerjee is the main reason for the increasing problems and dissatisfaction in TMC. TMC, which has been in power in the state for three consecutive terms, is today facing the biggest crisis of its existence and identity. Many senior party leaders, MPs and MLAs have either resigned or have openly stood against the leadership. If anyone is the most targeted in TMC, it is Mamata’s nephew Abhishek Banerjee. After all, what is the reason for this?
Why is Abhishek Banerjee the target of rebel leaders?
1- Kalyan Banerjee openly expressed his displeasure
Abhishek Banerjee is being cited as the biggest reason for opposition within the party. Many senior leaders allege that the decision making process in the party has now become completely concentrated in their hands. On Thursday, Kalyan Banerjee, a senior TMC leader and considered close to Mamata Banerjee, openly expressed his displeasure. He told Mamata Banerjee that she would have to choose between herself and Abhishek Banerjee.
2- Ritabrata Banerjee has already expressed objection
This statement of Kalyan Banerjee has come at a time when Ritabrata Banerjee had also led the rebellion of MLAs last week. He had also appealed to Mamata Banerjee to become the chief advisor of the party and said that Abhishek Banerjee has no direct connection with the Assembly.
3- Leaders are also angry with the increasing dependence on I-PAC
Rebel leaders allege that instead of party workers and old leaders, more importance is being given to political strategy making company I-PAC. He says that from the selection of candidates to many important political decisions, the opinion of the old leaders of the party is being ignored. Due to this, dissatisfaction is continuously increasing within the organization. Rebel leaders are claiming that this is why they consider themselves the “real TMC” and are talking about adopting a different path from the current leadership.
4- Abhishek Banerjee surrounded by allegations of ‘arrogant leadership’
Many leaders who have left the party allege that Abhishek Banerjee’s leadership is extremely centralized and arrogant. He says that decisions have been limited to a few people and senior leaders are constantly being sidelined. Kalyan Banerjee even said that he will not fight any legal case of Abhishek Banerjee in future because he does not like his behavior. Talking to the media, he said that he is senior to Abhishek in both politics and profession, hence cannot accept disrespectful behavior towards him. He also alleged that Abhishek Banerjee is responsible for the party’s electoral defeat and the current crisis.
5- Complaint about senior leaders being sidelined
Many senior party leaders and MLAs believe that they are being kept away from important decisions. They allege that due to Abhishek Banerjee’s direct appointments and increasing influence on legislative matters, the role of experienced leaders is continuously diminishing. This is creating an atmosphere of dissatisfaction and distrust within the organization.
6- TMC leadership is completely disconnected from the ground reality.
After resigning from Rajya Sabha and giving up primary membership of TMC, Sukhendu Shekhar Roy also raised questions on the party leadership. On Monday, he criticized the state government and the party regarding the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder case. Roy said that the state leadership was completely disconnected from the ground reality and had failed to understand the real problems of the people. This ongoing political crisis in TMC does not seem to be stopping at the moment. Continuous resignations, rebellion of MLAs and displeasure of senior leaders have created a big challenge for Mamata Banerjee and her party.