Kolkata, 03 June (H.S.) : West Bengal Assembly Opposition Leader Ritabrata Bandyopadhyay launched a sharp attack on Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Wednesday, asserting that Abhishek would have no role in his political camp and urging TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee to continue guiding the party as its chief adviser.

Speaking to reporters after being recognised as the Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Bandyopadhyay said Abhishek Banerjee had neither a political role nor public support within the group led by dissident TMC legislators.

“Abhishek Banerjee will have no role. He has no connection with our party, and he has no connection with the people either. Had he enjoyed public support, he would not have remained out of public view for 26 days after the election defeat. He would have come out and faced the people,” Bandyopadhyay said.

In a strongly worded statement, he further alleged that while claiming that the people would protect him, Abhishek later sought enhanced security from the Central government. Bandyopadhyay said his group did not wish to discuss Abhishek Banerjee and intended to keep its political activities separate from his influence.

“At no point did any of our leaders seek security from either the Central or State government. Yet after claiming that the people would protect him, Abhishek Banerjee later wrote to the Centre seeking increased security. We do not want to discuss him any further,” he said.

At the same time, Bandyopadhyay expressed respect for Mamata Banerjee and described her as a senior and experienced political leader whose guidance remained valuable.

“We believe Mamata Banerjee is a highly respected and senior leader. We would like her to continue guiding our party as its principal adviser. Her experience and leadership can help provide direction to the organisation,” he said.

The remarks come at a time when the internal power struggle within the Trinamool Congress has become increasingly visible. The recognition of Bandyopadhyay as Leader of the Opposition by Assembly Speaker Rathindra Basu has effectively highlighted the emergence of rival factions within the party.

Political observers view Bandyopadhyay’s comments as an attempt to draw a clear distinction between the roles of Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee within the ongoing leadership battle. While extending respect and a potential advisory role to Mamata Banerjee, he simultaneously sought to distance his faction completely from Abhishek Banerjee.

The latest statement is expected to further intensify the political confrontation within the Trinamool Congress as the party grapples with organisational restructuring and internal dissent following its electoral setback in West Bengal.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh