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Expelled TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee said after the party’s defeat in the recent election, a resolution was passed in a meeting for a standing ovation to Abhishek Banerjee.
Expelled TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee. (PTI)
Expelled TMC MLA Ritabrata Banerjee on Saturday alleged widespread corruption within the party and hinted that more leaders could join the rebel camp in the coming days, while holding TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee responsible for the recent wave of dissent.
“Currently, 61 MLAs are with us right now, so there will definitely be an increase in the numbers (of rebel leaders) before the Assembly session starts on June 18,” he said in an exclusive interview with CNN-News18.
His remarks came after around 60 of the party’s 80 MLAs backed Ritabrata as the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, marking one of the biggest internal challenges in the Mamata Banerjee-led party.
‘Standing Ovation For Abhishek Banerjee’
Ritabrata avoided criticising Mamata Banerjee, but cast Abhishek as the main reason for the internal revolt within the TMC. He said that after the party was defeated in the recent election, a resolution was passed during a meeting at Mamata Banerjee’s Kalighat residence on May 6 to give a standing ovation to Abhishek.
“It was also said that the TMC did not lose the elections. Everyone was asked to give a standing ovation to Abhishek Banerjee. We may have asked where you (Abhishek) were, but I did not have the courage or capacity to defy that, so I also stood, but it was not a full standing ovation,” he said.
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Ritabrata alleged that TMC MLAs were asked to sign a letter to mark their attendance at the May 6 meeting, and claimed that the names of several MPs who were not present were also included in the attendance record.
He also accused Abhishek Banerjee of sending a letter for the recognition of the Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly without the approval of the party MLAs, adding that forged documents were submitted to the Assembly speaker.
‘Abhishek Beaten Like A Thief’
Ritabrata further elaborated on the party’s problems, saying the TMC behaved as if it were still leading the government. He also portrayed Abhishek Banerjee as the biggest threat to the Trinamool Congress, citing dynastic politics and a lack of accessibility as key concerns.
“Abhishek Banerjee was in hibernation mode after the elections. Once considered as a big leader, he went to a place and was publicly beaten like a thief. After that, Abhishek is not going anywhere. This is the same man who said that common people are his protection,” he told CNN-News18.
He also emphasised that Mamata Banerjee had built a street fighter image in West Bengal without the backing of a powerful political family. “Unfortunately, the grassroots level party has been hijacked. Now he has fallen. People are rejoicing, but Didi has decided to continue with him, so this is a very major issue.”
Despite supporting Ritabrata as Leader of the Opposition, many rebel MLAs continue to express loyalty to Mamata Banerjee. During a meeting on Thursday, Ritabrata reportedly suggested that Mamata could become the “chief adviser” of a reconstituted legislature party.
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