NEW DELHI: Days after exiting the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Sukhendu Sekhar Ray on Monday made explosive claims about the Mamata Banerjee-led party and her previous government in West Bengal. The former TMC leader likened his former party to a "party of thieves, rapists" and made the startling claim that he could have been "murdered by contract killers" had he quit during the RG Kar hospital controversy.
Ray's Allegations Against TMC
Speaking to the news agency PTI, Ray said, "A party of thieves, rapists... The RG Kar incident helped me make up my mind. Had I quit then, I could have been murdered by contract killers." Recalling the RG Kar episode, Ray stated, "When the RG Kar incident happened, people came out onto the streets. I had never seen anything like this in my political career, and I spoke up about it. I said that everyone involved should be hanged, I also put out a tweet and sat on a protest... I was summoned for my tweet."
Context of Political Turmoil
His remarks come at a time when the Mamata Banerjee-led party, after ruling West Bengal for 15 years, is grappling with a crushing electoral defeat and a growing rebellion within its ranks, both in the assembly and Parliament. The TMC has faced increasing internal dissent following its poor performance in recent elections, with several leaders expressing dissatisfaction with the party's direction.
Ray's departure from the TMC is seen as a significant blow to the party, as he was a prominent figure in the Rajya Sabha. His allegations have added to the mounting challenges for Banerjee, who is struggling to maintain unity within the party amid widespread criticism over governance issues and law and order in the state.
The RG Kar hospital incident, which involved the death of a patient under controversial circumstances, had sparked massive protests across West Bengal. Ray's decision to speak out against the party during that time, he claims, put his life at risk. He asserted that his conscience forced him to act, even if it meant facing dire consequences.
The TMC has not yet officially responded to Ray's allegations. However, political analysts suggest that such internal conflicts could further weaken the party's position ahead of future elections. The developments underscore the deepening crisis within the Trinamool Congress, as it struggles to regain its footing after a series of setbacks.
