Kolkata: Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh on Thursday made a pointed social media post, asserting that former party leaders Tapas Ray and Sajal Ghosh were "forced to leave" the party. The statement also called for "self-analysis" within the Trinamool Congress, highlighting internal discontent.
Oath Ceremony Sparks Controversy
The remarks came hours after Kunal took his oath in the West Bengal assembly from pro tem Speaker Tapas Ray, who returned to the House after winning the Maniktala seat on a Bharatiya Janata Party ticket. Former Trinamool leader Sajal Ghosh also entered the assembly as a BJP MLA from Baranagar.
Kunal Ghosh's Social Media Post
"The oath was administered by the pro tem Speaker Tapas Roy, a long-time elder and neta. We tried to keep Tapasda in Trinamool, but unfortunately, we couldn't… In North and Central Kolkata, Tapasda and Sajal Ghosh were forced to leave the party. We tried to retain both but failed. Today, they are legislators. It's all fate," Kunal wrote on social media.
Declaring himself a "soldier of Trinamool," Kunal also criticised "favouritism and the same old politics" within the party. "If this continues, workers are losing patience. Self-reflection is essential in the fight to revitalise Trinamool," he added.
Party Tensions Resurface
Though Kunal did not name anyone, party insiders linked the remarks to his strained ties with North Kolkata MP Sudip Bandopadhyay and Trinamool MLA Nayana Bandopadhyay. The tensions resurfaced after Nayana was recently appointed deputy leader of the Trinamool legislative party. While Kunal congratulated opposition leader Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, chief whip Firhad Hakim, and other parliamentary office-bearers, he notably did not mention Nayana.
Background of the Rift
In 2024, Kunal was removed as Trinamool state general secretary hours after he shared a stage with then BJP Lok Sabha candidate Tapas Ray and praised him publicly. This incident had already raised eyebrows within the party.
Response from Sajal Ghosh
Responding to Kunal's remarks, Sajal Ghosh said: "Only Kunal tried to stop me. But I am very happy that I didn't listen to him that day. Otherwise, today I would have been called a thief too." This response indicates lingering bitterness between the former allies.
The developments underscore ongoing internal discord within the Trinamool Congress, as several former members have switched allegiance to the BJP ahead of upcoming elections. Kunal's call for self-analysis reflects growing concerns among party workers about leadership and direction.
