Kolkata, 12 June (H.S.): Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar launched a sharp attack on former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress (TMC) upon arriving at Bagdogra Airport on Friday, claiming that the ruling party was “crumbling like a house of cards” amid growing internal dissent.

Speaking to reporters, Majumdar alleged that serious questions had emerged over the support enjoyed by the party leadership within TMC. Referring to recent political developments, he claimed that after the controversy involving signatures of Rajya Sabha members, signatures of nearly 20 TMC Lok Sabha MPs had also surfaced, exposing dissatisfaction within the party ranks.

“Do not count how many MPs the party has. Count how many are still with Mamata Banerjee. That number will continue to decline,” Majumdar remarked. He further claimed that more leaders would eventually leave the party and shift their allegiance elsewhere.

Commenting on the recent court appearance of TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, the Union Minister said that he had no option but to comply with the court’s directive. In a veiled dig, Majumdar said that those accustomed to living “like kings” were now being compelled to appear before courts. He also alleged that there had been instances in the past when summons issued by central agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) were ignored.

Majumdar also pointed to alleged factionalism within the Trinamool Congress, claiming that several senior leaders, including Kalyan Banerjee, did not share cordial relations with Abhishek Banerjee.

Taking another swipe at the party leadership, he said that veteran leaders would not easily accept someone becoming a leader after “landing by parachute.” He further remarked that the Trinamool Congress would eventually have to decide whether it wanted to retain Kalyan Banerjee or Abhishek Banerjee.

The Union Minister said he would later attend an administrative meeting in Malda and hinted that he could make further comments on the political situation in North Bengal during the course of the day.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh