Kolkata, 14 June (H.S.) - With an eye on the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, the Trinamool Congress has begun streamlining its internal organisation in Birbhum district, signaling a clear message: unity above all. In a significant development, the party has decided to retain controversial leader Anubrata Mondal in a key role despite recent uproar over a viral audio clip in which he allegedly threatened a police officer's wife and mother with rape.

At a state-level organisational meeting held in Kolkata on Saturday to plan for the upcoming Shaheed Divas (Martyrs’ Day) on July 21, senior TMC leader and party president Subrata Bakshi delivered a stern message to both Mondal and fellow Birbhum leader Kajal Sheikh. The two leaders were summoned for a closed-door meeting before the main session, where they were reprimanded for their ongoing infighting that, according to the leadership, is damaging the party’s prospects in the region.

Party insiders confirmed that Bakshi warned both Mondal and Sheikh that if their personal disputes continued to disrupt the party’s cohesion, they would have to face disciplinary consequences. They were also explicitly instructed not to disclose any details of the meeting to the media.

This intervention from the top leadership comes at a time when Anubrata Mondal is battling multiple challenges. Recently released from jail, he is reportedly dealing with health issues and has now been embroiled in fresh controversy following the leak of an audio recording in which he allegedly used obscene and threatening language towards a police official. While his responsibilities within the party have already been curtailed—he now serves only as a member of the state core committee—the leadership’s decision to continue engaging him reflects a strategic calculation.

Despite the damaging allegations, the party is clearly prioritizing unity in Birbhum, a district known for its volatile political landscape. The TMC leadership, sources say, views internal rifts as a serious liability in the run-up to 2026 and is determined to rebuild a strong and united front.

The message from the top is unambiguous: factionalism will not be tolerated, and every leader, regardless of stature or controversy, must align with the broader organisational strategy aimed at consolidating the party’s base ahead of a crucial electoral battle.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh