Why did Mahua Moitra reject the speculations about the breakup of TMC? Does Mahua Moitra think everything is normal in TMC? What did Mahua Moitra mean by the ongoing ‘purification’ in the party? What was Mahua Moitra’s first reaction to Sushmita Dev’s resignation?
Mahua Moitra on TMC Crisis: Amidst the continuous resignation of leaders and MPs from Trinamool Congress (TMC), questions are being raised about the future of the party. However, Lok Sabha MP Mahua Moitra says that the discussions about the demise of the party are completely baseless and all this is political propaganda being spread by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). In an interview given immediately after Sushmita Dev’s resignation, Mahua Moitra openly expressed her opinion on the ongoing developments in the party, the claims of rebel MPs and the current situation of TMC.
What did Mahua Moitra say on Sushmita Dev’s resignation?
On the question of Sushmita Dev leaving the party, Mahua Moitra said that India is a democratic country and every person has the freedom to take his political decisions. He said that Sushmita Dev was earlier in Congress and later joined TMC. The party sent him to Rajya Sabha and gave him the opportunity to become MP twice. Now that she has decided to leave the party, she can explain the reason behind it in a better way. Mahua Moitra said that she herself is not responsible for Sushmita Dev’s decision and it would not be appropriate to comment on the reasons for her departure.
How many TMC MPs are in the rebel camp?
In recent times, some leaders have claimed that many TMC MPs are preparing to separate from the party. On this, Mahua Moitra said that at present the rebel camp is claiming to have 16 MPs, while some people are also saying that they have the support of 20 MPs. He said that if he really had the support of so many MPs, then evidence of this would have come to light, an official letter would have been issued or a joint press conference would have been held. According to Mahua Moitra, she is confident that the rebel leaders do not have the support of 20 MPs.
Mahua Moitra’s argument on anti-defection law
Mahua Moitra said that no new political group can gain recognition merely by the separation of a few MPs. He said that under the anti-defection law, to separate from a party, support of at least two-thirds of the members of not only the parliamentary party but the entire political party is required. Additionally, the breakaway group also has to merge with another party. According to him, the rebel leaders do not have enough numbers to be legally recognized as a separate political entity.
What will happen by sitting separately?
Mahua Moitra said that if some MPs want to sit separately and form a separate group in Parliament, then no one can stop them from doing so. However, he also said that this would not give him any special political or parliamentary benefit. According to him, no matter what name he presents himself with or supports BJP, it may affect his political future.
Is Sushmita Dev a political opportunist?
When Mahua Moitra was asked whether she considered Sushmita Dev a political opportunist, she refused to give a direct answer to this question. He said that Sushmita Dev is his friend and it would not be appropriate to comment on her decisions or political intentions. Mahua said that only Sushmita Dev can answer this question.
How is the current environment of TMC?
Despite continuous resignations within the party, Mahua Moitra claimed that many TMC leaders are looking at the situation from a positive perspective. He said that in a way the party was being “purified” and this could make the organization stronger in the future. According to him, the separation of those who do not want to go along with the ideology and leadership of the party can be a benefit to the organization rather than a loss.
Mahua’s statement on Mamata Banerjee’s leadership style
Mahua Moitra said that Mamata Banerjee is a passionate and humane leader, who maintains long-term loyalty towards her colleagues. He said that Mamata Banerjee easily trusts the leaders who work with her and gives them opportunities for a long time. According to Mahua, many such leaders remained in the party for years who should have already been thrown out of the organization, but Mamata Banerjee gave them continuous opportunities.
Comparison with BJP
Mahua Moitra also mentioned the working style of BJP during this period. He said that leadership change and organizational decisions are taken in a more stringent manner in BJP. Giving examples, he said that many senior leaders of the party were distanced from active politics over time. On the contrary, he claimed that Mamata Banerjee adopts a more sensitive and patient attitude towards her colleagues.
What did Mahua say about the future of TMC?
Mahua Moitra clearly said that the discussions about the demise or weakening of TMC are far from reality. According to him, the party is still a strong force in West Bengal politics and the current developments should be seen as a natural political process going on within the party. He said that with time it will become clear how true the claims of the rebel leaders are and what is the real strength of the party.