The rebels have stopped short of formally expelling Mamata Banerjee from the organisation, but Ritabrata indicated that they no longer envisage an executive role for her. Instead, she may be offered an advisory position.
Earlier in the day, several media reports claimed that the rebel faction had adopted a resolution suspending Mamata’s nephew and the party’s national general-secretary Abhishek Banerjee from his post. According to those reports, the proposal was unanimously supported by those present at the meeting.
However, Ritabrata Banerjee denied that any such decision had been taken. “We will inform the Election Commission about the technical aspects of today’s decisions. There was no discussion regarding Abhishek Banerjee during the meeting. We have seen reports about his suspension, but we are not aware of any such decision,” he told reporters.
His remarks appeared to contradict reports suggesting that the dissident camp had moved against Abhishek Banerjee as part of its wider organisational restructuring.
In a symbolic departure from party tradition, neither Mamata Banerjee’s nor Abhishek Banerjee’s photograph appeared at the venue. Instead, portraits of Rabindranath Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi and B.R. Ambedkar were displayed alongside the party symbol.
Among those present at Monday’s meeting were Firhad Hakim, Javed Khan, Rathin Ghosh and several former Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillors. Former councillors from districts including Murshidabad and Berhampore also attended.
However, the dissidents’ claim to represent the “real” Trinamool Congress has been fiercely challenged by leaders loyal to Mamata Banerjee.
Following a separate meeting at Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence, Trinamool MLA Kunal Ghosh dismissed the rebels’ actions outright. “Trinamool and Mamata Banerjee are synonymous. Given our party’s structure, they have no authority to take such actions,” Ghosh said.
About the Author
