Addressing a dharna in central Kolkata, the former Chief Minister launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led government in West Bengal, accusing it of intimidation, political targeting and attempts to weaken her party.
The protest marked Mamata’s first significant street mobilisation since the TMC’s defeat in the recent Assembly elections.
However, the gathering also drew attention because of the limited participation of party legislators and parliamentarians.
Limited presence of lawmakers
Despite the significance of the protest, only six of the TMC’s 80 MLAs attended the dharna at Esplanade's Y-channel.
It should be mentioned that the number of TMC lawmakers in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly is now 78, as the party on Monday expelled Uluberia Purba MLA Ritabrata Banerjee and Entally MLA Sandipan Saha over "anti-party activities".
Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNS
The legislators present included Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, Kunal Ghosh, Nayana Bandopadhyay, Madan Mitra, Ashok Deb and Asima Patra.
Among Members of Parliament, only Dola Sen, Kalyan Banerjee and Derek O’Brien were seen alongside Mamata at the protest venue.
The modest turnout came against the backdrop of increasing reports of dissatisfaction and factional tensions within the party following its electoral setback.
Among Members of Parliament, only Dola Sen, Kalyan Banerjee and Derek O’Brien were seen alongside Mamata at the protest venue.
The modest turnout came against the backdrop of increasing reports of dissatisfaction and factional tensions within the party following its electoral setback.
Mamata vows to continue political fight
Addressing supporters, Mamata delivered a fiery speech and declared her determination to continue opposing the BJP government.
“Ladenge ya marenge (I will fight or die). I will not die until I remove all of you from power,” she said while criticising the ruling dispensation.
She accused the BJP of using intimidation tactics against TMC leaders, councillors and legislators after the Assembly election results.
“This misrule, this atrocity, the way they have looted the vote, and now our MLAs and councillors are being threatened by the police. They are now attempting to break TMC,” Mamata alleged.
“This misrule, this atrocity, the way they have looted the vote, and now our MLAs and councillors are being threatened by the police. They are now attempting to break TMC,” Mamata alleged.
Internal developments add to speculation
The protest took place amid a series of developments that have intensified discussions about internal challenges within the TMC.
A day before the dharna, around 60 of the party’s 80 MLAs reportedly skipped a meeting convened by Mamata at her residence.
A day before the dharna, around 60 of the party’s 80 MLAs reportedly skipped a meeting convened by Mamata at her residence.
The absence of a large number of legislators triggered fresh speculation about the party’s internal cohesion.
Questions have also emerged over allegations that signatures of several TMC MLAs were forged in a letter supporting Sovandeb Chattopadhyay as the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.
Meanwhile, expelled MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha recently met several TMC legislators at the MLA hostel in Kolkata, adding another layer to the ongoing political developments.
Questions have also emerged over allegations that signatures of several TMC MLAs were forged in a letter supporting Sovandeb Chattopadhyay as the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly.
Meanwhile, expelled MLAs Ritabrata Banerjee and Sandipan Saha recently met several TMC legislators at the MLA hostel in Kolkata, adding another layer to the ongoing political developments.
Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNSConcerns over support for Abhishek Banerjee
The party leadership has also faced questions over the response to recent incidents involving senior leaders.
Mamata referred to the attack on TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee during his visit to Sonarpur, where he was reportedly targeted with stones and eggs while meeting victims of post-poll violence.
Mamata referred to the attack on TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee during his visit to Sonarpur, where he was reportedly targeted with stones and eggs while meeting victims of post-poll violence.
“Had the stone hit Abhishek's head that day, he could have been dead,” Mamata said.
She also highlighted an alleged attack on MP Kalyan Banerjee in Hooghly, linking the incidents to what she described as a broader campaign against her party.
Several TMC leaders, however, remained largely silent in public following the incidents, a development that has attracted political attention.
Several TMC leaders, however, remained largely silent in public following the incidents, a development that has attracted political attention.
TMC faces organisational challenges
The TMC has witnessed a series of departures in recent weeks.
More than 100 councillors have reportedly left the party, while several MPs have stepped down from important organisational positions.
Among those expressing dissatisfaction with sections of the party leadership has been TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar.
Among those expressing dissatisfaction with sections of the party leadership has been TMC MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar.
These developments have fuelled discussions about the challenges confronting the party after its defeat in the Assembly elections.
Mamata's allegations against govt
During the protest, Mamata accused the BJP government of obstructing the TMC’s political activities.
“We have not been allowed to fix a mic. We were not allowed to erect a stage. TMC is not being allowed to do our political activity,” she claimed.
The party had initially proposed holding the demonstration at Rani Rashmoni Avenue.
However, Kolkata Police did not grant permission for the location, prompting organisers to shift the dharna to Esplanade.
Photo: Avishek Mitra/IBNSMamata also criticised Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, accusing his administration of pursuing policies that she said were harming ordinary people.
“Modi ji has left Bengal in the hands of anti-socials, bulldozer-happy politicians, pushing the state into darkness. The homes of poor people in Bengal have been demolished,” she alleged.
Protest set to continue
Concluding her address, Mamata indicated that the agitation would continue in the coming days.
“The dharna will continue,” she declared, signalling that the TMC intends to maintain pressure on the BJP government through public protests as the political battle in West Bengal enters a new phase.
“The dharna will continue,” she declared, signalling that the TMC intends to maintain pressure on the BJP government through public protests as the political battle in West Bengal enters a new phase.