Mamata Banerjee Defends Abhishek Amid TMC Rebellion and Criticism

Kolkata, India Jul 18, 2026 ALN: In a show of solidarity, Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee defended her nephew and party general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday, stating he has been "fighting like a tiger" despite ongoing investigations into multiple allegations against him. This statement comes amidst a significant rebellion within the party, following its electoral defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections. The TMC, which has been a dominant political force in West Bengal for over a decade, is currently facing unprecedented challenges, both from within its ranks and from rival parties, particularly the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Abhishek Banerjee has claimed that numerous "unreasonable complaints" have been lodged against him since the BJP took power in the state. His assertions were made during a hearing at the Calcutta High Court, where he sought to address the allegations against him. These complaints have been a focal point in the ongoing political tussle, with the BJP leveraging them as part of its broader strategy to undermine the TMC's influence in West Bengal.

Mamata Banerjee's remarks are considered her strongest public endorsement of Abhishek since the TMC faced internal dissent. The party has seen nearly 60 of its 80 MLAs rebel against the leadership, opting to support Ritabrata Banerjee as the leader of the Opposition in the Assembly. This mass rebellion represents a significant fracture within the TMC, raising questions about the party's future cohesion and its ability to effectively govern and represent its constituents.

The Assembly speaker has recognized this faction as the official legislature party, further complicating the TMC's internal dynamics. This recognition not only legitimizes the rebel faction's claims but also poses a challenge to Mamata Banerjee's authority as the party leader. In a notable shift, TMC leader Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar announced that 20 of the party's Lok Sabha MPs would merge with the Nationalist Citizens’ Party, which aligns with the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance. This development signifies a strategic move by some TMC leaders to realign themselves with a party that currently holds significant power at the national level, thereby enhancing their own political prospects.

In response to this growing dissent, Abhishek Banerjee has requested the Lok Sabha Speaker to disqualify these rebel MPs for abandoning the party. This request underscores the internal strife within the TMC and highlights the lengths to which the leadership is willing to go in order to maintain control over the party structure. The implications of such a move could be profound, potentially leading to further divisions within the party and affecting its electoral viability in future contests.

Adding to the turmoil, three TMC Rajya Sabha MPs resigned and subsequently joined the BJP on July 9. This exodus of senior party members to the BJP has raised alarms within the TMC, as it signifies a potential loss of influence and resources. Mamata Banerjee criticized the rebel MLAs, suggesting they were using her nephew as a scapegoat for their actions. Her defense of Abhishek is not only a familial gesture but also a strategic attempt to rally the remaining loyalists within the party and present a united front against the BJP's encroachment.

“His family members were summoned,” she stated. “Had he wanted, he could have got relief. But he did not run away from the battlefield. The way he has continued to fight, even if he has made any mistake, that should be forgiven.” This statement reflects Mamata Banerjee's commitment to her family's legacy in West Bengal politics and her determination to protect her nephew from what she perceives as politically motivated attacks.

Banerjee further alleged that the rebel leaders were defecting to the BJP out of fear of investigations by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). She accused the BJP of employing coercive tactics to weaken the TMC, suggesting that the central government is using its investigative agencies to target political opponents. This narrative plays into a broader theme of political victimization that is often echoed by opposition parties across India, particularly in states where the BJP is in power.

“The BJP is using the police to break the Trinamool,” she asserted. “They are using fear and threats to dismantle municipal boards.” This statement highlights the ongoing struggle for power in West Bengal, where the TMC has historically been a stronghold. The implications of such tactics could lead to an escalation of political tensions in the state, potentially resulting in confrontations between party supporters and law enforcement agencies.

In a pointed remark, she added, “Those who have a setting are joining the BJP’s washing machine. Those MLAs and MPs who have joined the ‘setting company’ have done so because they are afraid. Don’t lie. You are free to go if you want. Go, join the BJP’s washing machine.” This metaphor of a "washing machine" suggests that defectors are being cleansed of their political sins by aligning with the BJP, indicating Mamata's disdain for those who choose to abandon the party during turbulent times.

Hours before Mamata Banerjee's statement, MLA Madan Mitra, a close ally, resigned from the TMC, citing a lack of focus on strengthening the party and alleging that the leadership was overly concentrated on promoting Abhishek Banerjee. Mitra's resignation followed the issuance of summons by the ED to his wife and two sons in connection with a municipal recruitment scam. This resignation not only underscores the internal discontent within the party but also reflects the broader implications of corruption allegations that have plagued the TMC in recent years.

As the TMC grapples with these challenges, Mamata Banerjee's defense of her nephew highlights the ongoing struggle for unity within the party as it faces external pressures and internal dissent. The coming months will be critical for the TMC as it seeks to navigate these turbulent waters, maintain its political relevance in West Bengal, and address the concerns of its constituents. The party's ability to manage internal dissent while countering the BJP's strategies will be pivotal in shaping its future trajectory in the state's political landscape.