Kolkata, 01 June (H.S.) : Amid growing signs of dissent within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), party chief and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing it of using intimidation and financial inducements to lure TMC legislators and MPs.

Addressing party workers and supporters through a Facebook Live session, Banerjee alleged that police officials were being used to pressure elected representatives of her party. She claimed that several legislators had informed her that they were being threatened with criminal cases if they attended party meetings.

“Four MLAs have complained to me that they were told by the police that if they attended party meetings, they could face cases under the Arms Act or narcotics-related laws. What kind of democracy is this? All limits of oppression have been crossed in the state,” Banerjee said.

Her remarks came against the backdrop of a recent TMC meeting at Kalighat, where nearly 60 of the party’s 80 MLAs were absent, triggering speculation about discontent within the organisation.

Banerjee further alleged that police personnel were encouraging TMC leaders and legislators to establish contact with BJP functionaries, after which they were allegedly approached by members of the ruling party. She described the process as a coordinated attempt to weaken and divide the Trinamool Congress.

The political tension intensified on Monday when the TMC expelled two legislators, Ritabrata Bandyopadhyay and Sandipan Saha, from the party's primary membership over alleged anti-party activities. Without directly naming Ritabrata, Banerjee criticised him during her address, describing him as a leader without principles and expressing disappointment over what she termed a betrayal of the opportunities provided by the party.

Banerjee maintained that while some leaders may switch political allegiance when circumstances change, the true strength of the Trinamool Congress lies in its grassroots workers. She asserted that the party could not be easily dismantled and would emerge stronger through the commitment of its cadre.

“Leaders may be afraid, but workers are not. Some people won elections on the party’s ticket, enjoyed power and privileges, and are now trying to align themselves with other political forces. Thousands of party workers faced arrests and hardships. Their sacrifices should not be forgotten,” she said.

Referring to the recent alleged attack on TMC National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, she said a member of her family had faced a serious threat but chose to fight rather than succumb to pressure.

Banerjee concluded by affirming that she would personally take charge of rebuilding and strengthening the party organisation. Calling on workers to remain united, she expressed confidence that the Trinamool Congress would overcome the current challenges and continue to play a significant role in West Bengal politics.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh