The Trinamool Congress (TMC), the party led by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, appears to be cracking from within these days. Leaders at every level—MLAs, MPs and councillors alike—are walking away from the party one after another. Even those once counted among Mamata Banerjee's closest confidants have now abandoned her. Reports suggest that Lok Sabha MPs from the rebel faction of the TMC are set to meet the Lok Sabha Speaker on Monday. In the middle of this turmoil, TMC Lok Sabha MP Shatrughan Sinha has issued a major statement. He has clearly distanced himself from Mamata's nephew and MP Abhishek Banerjee, stating unambiguously that Abhishek Banerjee is not his leader—his leader is Mamata Banerjee alone.
I Will Stay With Mamata Banerjee: Shatrughan
TMC MP Shatrughan Sinha said, "I was with Mamata Didi, I am with Mamata Didi, and I will always remain with Mamata Didi. Neither Abhishek Banerjee nor anyone else is my leader. My leader is only Mamata Banerjee. This was the time to show unity and stand by Mamata Banerjee—not the time to leave her. Mamata Banerjee is a mature and experienced leader."
'Even If I Am Left Alone, Then...'
Shatrughan Sinha went on to say, "I will not name anyone. I spent nearly 30 years in the BJP. Many senior leaders of the party have taught and guided me. Even if they have said something about me, they would have said it with good intentions—but for me, staying with Mamata Banerjee is the best thing. I will always remain with Mamata Banerjee. Even if I am left standing alone, I will stay with her by adopting the mantra of 'Ekla Chalo' (walk alone). For now, I have no intention of going anywhere else."
Kalyan Banerjee Is Upset Too
It is worth noting that, according to TMC leaders, the single biggest cause of the rebellion within the party is Abhishek Banerjee himself. From MLAs to MPs, a host of leaders are revolting out of anger towards Abhishek Banerjee. Now Kalyan Banerjee, counted among Mamata's closest and most trusted MPs, has also grown upset. On Thursday, Kalyan Banerjee had said that Mamata Didi should choose either him or Abhishek—the decision rests in her hands. In effect, Kalyan Banerjee has handed Mamata Banerjee an ultimatum: she must pick either her nephew Abhishek Banerjee or him.
