Kolkata, 16 July (H.S.).

Amid the ongoing organisational turmoil in the Trinamool Congress (TMC) following its crushing defeat in the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, party supremo Mamata Banerjee on Thursday issued a stern warning to dissident leaders. She said those intending to leave the party should do so before the July 21 Martyrs' Day rally and refrain from trying to malign the organisation. She also asserted that the annual rally would be held as scheduled despite any obstacles.

In a video message released on Thursday, Banerjee said, Those who want to leave should do so before July 21. But never think that by defaming the party you are enhancing your own respect. Save your family if you must, but do not malign the party for the BJP's package.

The TMC has witnessed a series of high-profile resignations in recent weeks, with several former ministers, MLAs, MPs and senior organisational leaders quitting the party. Rajya Sabha MP Koel Mallick submitted her resignation on Thursday, while former minister Manish Gupta also publicly announced his decision to leave the TMC. A section of the party has already aligned with the faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee, and former minister Madan Mitra has also switched camps.

Targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Banerjee said that while a political party's name or election symbol could be changed, its ideology, objectives and principles could never be erased through political power.

She welcomed the Calcutta High Court's order allowing the Kalighat faction of the TMC to hold its July 21 rally near Birla Planetarium. However, she expressed doubts over whether the administration would implement the court's order in a fair and impartial manner.

Alleging that party supporters were being intimidated from attending the rally, Banerjee claimed that police personnel in several places were warning people against participating in the programme. She appealed to the administration to remain neutral and not work in favour of any political party.

The TMC chief further alleged that despite the High Court's permission, attempts could be made to obstruct the setting up of the stage, sound system and other logistical arrangements for the rally. She maintained that even if a stage could not be erected, the programme would go ahead, and she would address party workers while standing among the people if necessary.

Banerjee also urged party workers and supporters to attend the annual Martyrs' Day gathering in large numbers, asserting that no political challenge or administrative hurdle would prevent the rally from taking place as scheduled.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh