Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee returned to the streets on Tuesday with a major protest in central Kolkata, vowing to fight or die as she accused the BJP of targeting TMC leaders and attempting to weaken the party after the Bengal Assembly elections. However, the dharna highlighted the challenges facing the opposition party, with only five of its 78 MLAs and three MPs attending the event.
Low Attendance Raises Questions
The protest came amid growing signs of internal unrest, including the absence of 60 MLAs from a recent party meeting, allegations of forged signatures in a leadership letter, and meetings involving expelled legislators. The developments follow a series of defections and resignations within the TMC, fuelling speculation about deepening divisions and a potential organisational crisis within the party.
Mamata's Defiant Message
Speaking at the dharna, Banerjee said, They are trying to break us, but we will not bow down. We will fight until our last breath. She reiterated her allegations that the BJP is using central agencies to harass TMC leaders and destabilise the party in West Bengal.
Internal Unrest Brewing
The low attendance at the protest underscores the growing discontent within the TMC. Sources indicate that many MLAs are unhappy with the party leadership and are considering their options. The absence of senior leaders like Abhishek Banerjee, who was reportedly unwell, also raised eyebrows.
Political analysts believe that the TMC is facing one of its toughest challenges since coming to power in 2011. The party has seen a string of defections to the BJP in recent months, and the internal strife is expected to intensify ahead of the next general elections.
