KOLKATA: Former Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sukhendu Sekhar Ray launched a scathing attack on the party after resigning, particularly referencing the RG Kar rape and murder incident. He claimed that power had gone to the heads of TMC leaders to such an extent that they believed no one could touch them.
Ray's allegations against TMC leadership
Ray accused the ruling leadership of losing touch with the public and allowing corruption and criminal elements to thrive. He highlighted the unprecedented voter turnout of 97-98 percent in the recent elections, which led to a BJP government in West Bengal for the first time. He criticized the party for failing to analyze this shift and for sidelining dedicated workers in favor of middlemen, thieves, and rapists.
Speaking to the media, Ray said: "For the first time in Bengal's history, a BJP government has come to power. Voter turnout hit an all-time record of 97 or 98 percent. No analysis was conducted by the party regarding this. Those who held power over the last 15 years — ministers, panchayat leaders, councillors, mayors — became inaccessible. It was difficult to even approach them. They had lost touch with ground reality."
Corruption and governance failures
Ray demanded a forensic audit of all hospital purchases in Bengal over the last five years, alleging that crores of rupees were looted. He pointed to the lavish lifestyles of panchayat leaders, including swimming pools and exotic birds, as evidence of corruption. He also called for an investigation into the assets of all leaders, from ministers to international figures.
Regarding the RG Kar incident, Ray noted that the public, including doctors and those with no political background, poured onto the streets in protest. However, leaders and administrators failed to engage in deliberation or discussion. "Power had gone to their heads to such an extent that they believed no one in the world could touch them. But the very people who sent them there have now brought them down," he added.
Internal rebellion in Trinamool Congress
Ray's resignation comes amid a widening internal rebellion in the TMC, with reports suggesting a major split within its legislative wing. In his resignation letter, he accused the party of "15 years of anarchic rule" under Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, citing corruption, governance failure, and deterioration in law and order, healthcare, education, and employment. He welcomed the emergence of a BJP-led government, claiming it had begun work on development and reform.
Political fallout and reactions
The crisis has prompted urgent political activity in Delhi, with senior leaders including Abhishek Banerjee working to contain further defections. Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla may be approached by rebel MPs seeking recognition of a separate bloc. Senior TMC leader Sougata Roy blamed the BJP for attempting to engineer defections, while asserting that the party remains confident of managing the crisis.
