The Trinamool Congress (TMC) convened a crucial meeting of its newly elected MLAs and senior leaders at Kalighat in Kolkata on Wednesday. Party chief and outgoing West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, along with National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, addressed the gathering to chart the party's future course following its electoral setback.
Defiant Tone from Mamata Banerjee
During the meeting, Mamata Banerjee struck a defiant tone, asserting her intent to continue in office while calling for a symbolic protest. She stated that she would not resign from the chief minister's position and would instead wait for the governor to dismiss her. Urging party members to protest against what she termed a "black day," she asked them to wear black clothes on the first day of the West Bengal assembly session.
"After the Bengal INDIA team is united now. I won't resign. Let them dismiss me. I want this to be a black day. We have to be strong. On the first day of the Assembly, wear black clothes. Those who betrayed will be removed from the party. I am laughing. I defeated them morally. I am a free bird. I worked for all. We might have lost, but we will fight. HM and PM are directly involved," she said, as reported by news agency ANI citing TMC sources.
Allegations of Malpractice
Banerjee also alleged widespread malpractice and intimidation during the elections, claiming that several party functionaries were targeted. "Those who lost were forcefully defeated. I condemn West Bengal Police, CRPF, BJP-minded Chief Electoral Officer and ECI. More than 1500 party offices were hijacked. I was heckled and pushed. I was having chest pain. This was not an election but an atrocity," she said during the meeting.
Party's Official Statement
Following the meeting, the TMC posted on its official X account, stating that the Kalighat meeting aimed at motivating its leadership cadre. It said that Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee "instilled in them clarity, confidence, conviction, and a renewed sense of purpose to continue the good fight."
The statement read: "Our Chairperson Mamata Banerjee and National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee addressed a meeting with our leaders in Kalighat, instilling in them clarity, confidence, conviction, and a renewed sense of purpose to continue the good fight. Whether in power or not, our commitment to serve the people of Bengal remains steadfast. We will continue to stand by them and resist BJP's tyranny and oppression tooth and nail."
Future Strategy
According to the statement, the meeting focused on reinforcing unity, responding to alleged irregularities during the polls, and outlining the party's political strategy going forward. The TMC further asserted that it would continue to oppose what it described as "BJP's tyranny and oppression tooth and nail," signaling an aggressive opposition role even as it regroups after the election outcome.
The gathering underscored the party's resolve to remain a strong force in West Bengal politics despite the electoral setback, with Banerjee vowing to fight on and hold the ruling party accountable.
