Amid growing turmoil within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), senior party leader Kalyan Banerjee has reaffirmed his loyalty to party chief Mamata Banerjee while signalling a possible reconciliation with TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.
Speaking during the ongoing political crisis within the party, Kalyan Banerjee said his focus remains on supporting Mamata Banerjee and strengthening the party’s fight against the BJP-led NDA. His remarks come days after a public war of words with Abhishek Banerjee that had exposed deep divisions within the TMC.
Signs of a Truce
In a notable shift in tone, Kalyan Banerjee suggested he was ready to move past recent disagreements with Abhishek Banerjee.
“I have seen Abhishek grow up. He has said that I can tell him things, so it’s okay. Now we have to fight against the NDA,” he said, indicating that party unity should take precedence over internal disputes.
The statement follows Abhishek Banerjee’s conciliatory response to Kalyan’s criticism, where he acknowledged the senior leader’s right to express his views and declined to retaliate publicly.
From Open Criticism to Reconciliation
The development is significant because Kalyan Banerjee had recently launched a sharp attack on Abhishek Banerjee, accusing him of damaging the party and sidelining senior leaders. He had even urged Mamata Banerjee to choose between him and her nephew, sparking speculation about a widening power struggle within the TMC.
His latest comments, however, suggest efforts are underway to ease tensions and prevent further divisions within the party.
Sharp Attack on Rebel MPs
While softening his stance toward Abhishek, Kalyan Banerjee strongly criticised a group of rebel TMC parliamentarians reportedly led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar.
Questioning their commitment to the people who elected them, he accused the dissident leaders of being disconnected from their constituencies and motivated by political opportunism.
“These people who are forming a bloc, have they gone back to their constituencies? Have they remained connected with the people?” he asked.
Kalyan Banerjee further stated that the party would continue its political battle with leaders who remain loyal to the Trinamool Congress and dismissed the rebel faction as opportunists.
Growing Crisis Within TMC
The comments come at a time when the Trinamool Congress is facing one of its most challenging internal crises in recent years. Reports suggest a section of MPs is unhappy with the party leadership, with claims that several lawmakers could potentially shift allegiance to the NDA.
The situation has intensified discussions about succession, leadership, and the balance of power within the party ahead of crucial political battles in West Bengal.
Despite the turbulence, Kalyan Banerjee’s latest remarks indicate that efforts may be underway to restore unity within the TMC and rally the party around Mamata Banerjee’s leadership.