Kolkata, 19 August (H.S.): The internal differences within the Trinamool Congress have resurfaced ahead of the Trinamool Congress Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) foundation day, with two rival factions seeking permission to hold separate programmes near the Gandhi statue on Mayo Road in Kolkata.

The Ritabrata Banerjee-backed Trinamool faction approached the Calcutta High Court after allegedly failing to secure permission from the police to organise a foundation day meeting at the venue. However, the High Court on Wednesday declined to take up the matter for an urgent hearing and directed the petitioners to file a formal petition.

Meanwhile, the Kalighat-backed Trinamool faction had already approached the High Court over the same issue. Advocate Arka Kumar Nag, appearing for the faction, had brought the matter to the attention of Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya's court on Monday.

The court was informed that a letter seeking police permission to organise the TMCP foundation day programme had been submitted on July 27. The organisers subsequently sought an update from the police on August 3 and August 7 but allegedly received no response. The faction then moved the High Court seeking relief.

The TMCP was founded in 1998 and has traditionally observed its foundation day on August 28 every year. Since its inception, the organisation has held its foundation day programme at Mayo Road in Kolkata. Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee and other senior party leaders have regularly attended the event.

However, the political situation within the party has changed significantly this year. Following the party's defeat in the Assembly elections, three separate groups are reportedly emerging among Trinamool legislators. A majority of the party's MPs have joined the NCPI, while some MPs remain aligned with the Kalighat camp.

Similar divisions were visible during the Trinamool Congress's July 21 programme this year. A faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee and Madan Mitra held a separate 'Martyrs' Day' programme at Mayo Road, while Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee addressed a separate programme in front of the Birla Planetarium. NCPI MPs also organised a separate July 21 programme in Delhi.

With rival factions now seeking to organise separate TMCP foundation day programmes, the dispute over permission to hold a meeting at Mayo Road has acquired added political significance. The matter is likely to draw further attention as August 28 approaches.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh