On Tuesday, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) of West Bengal carried out searches at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) central office located in Kalighat, Kolkata, as well as at the office of its national general secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, on Camac Street. This action is part of an investigation into allegations concerning forgery of signatures related to the Assembly. Simultaneously, TMC leader Mamata Banerjee engaged in discussions with Congress Parliamentary chairperson Sonia Gandhi at her residence in Delhi.
According to TMC sources, the purpose of Mamata’s visit was to facilitate coordination among the parties within the INDIA alliance. The meeting, which took place at Sonia Gandhi’s residence on Janpath for approximately one hour, was characterized by a senior TMC MP as focused on fostering unity among the bloc.
Another senior TMC MP, who is considered close to Mamata, remarked, “Mamata and Sonia have maintained a strong personal connection for many years. It is only natural for them to meet when Mamata is in Delhi, especially as Sonia is the most senior leader among the Opposition.”
TMC leader Derek O’Brien criticized the timing of the CID’s actions, stating, “This appears to be a political vendetta. At the same time that Mamata Banerjee was meeting with Sonia Gandhi in Delhi, the CID attempted to forcibly enter our party headquarters in Kolkata. Initially, they sought to manipulate the electoral process, and now they are trying to seize documents from a political opponent. Where is the democracy in this? The main entrance was overwhelmed with CRPF personnel.”
Earlier in the day, the TMC expressed that it was unfazed by the departures of some of its leaders, asserting that despite the BJP’s hold on power, they have the pillars of “Maa, Maati and Maanush” (mother, soil, and people) supporting them.
The party is currently facing significant challenges, particularly with a faction led by senior leader Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar expressing interest in joining the National Democratic Alliance (NDA). This faction claims to have the backing of 20 Lok Sabha MPs, a statement contested by the TMC leadership, which asserts that only 12 members are involved. This development follows a recent rebellion from 60 of the party’s 80 MLAs, who questioned Mamata Banerjee’s selection of Sovandeb Chattopadhyay as their Assembly leader.
During a press briefing in Delhi, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee, accompanied by Kirti Azad, stated, “We are not concerned about those who leave. We seek new, dedicated members who will remain loyal to the party in challenging times. Our leader remains Mamata Banerjee, and our strength lies with our workers and the people of Bengal.” He emphasized that despite the BJP’s resources, “we have the support of Maa, Maati and Maanush.” Banerjee further accused the rebel MPs who met with BJP leaders of effectively aligning with the party and stated, “Their leader today is Narendra Modi. Though they may use different terminology, the people of Bengal are aware of the reality.”
He challenged the dissenting MPs to return to their constituencies and confront the party workers who had campaigned for them. “They must explain their decisions to those workers,” Kalyan Banerjee remarked, adding that these leaders won their elections under the TMC banner and with Mamata Banerjee’s endorsement. “If they had issues with our leadership, why did they not address them prior to the elections? They campaigned in Mamata Banerjee’s name and lauded her developmental initiatives before the polls,” he concluded.
Asad Rehman is a journalist with The Indian Express, focusing on politics and policy, particularly concerning religious minorities in India. With over eight years of experience, he previously reported on various issues in Uttar Pradesh, including politics, crime, health, and human rights, and provided extensive coverage of significant protests and landmark legal cases.
Rehman has a background in history, having completed his bachelor’s degree from Ramjas College at Delhi University and holds a master’s degree from the AJK Mass Communication Research Centre at Jamia Millia Islamia. He began his career at The Indian Express as a copy editor on the national desk before transitioning to his current role.
