Trinamool Congress chief and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued a direct ultimatum to rebel members of Parliament and state legislative assembly who departed from the party. She made it clear that those wishing to re-enter the fold must do so within a strict 15-day timeframe, warning that the organization is fully prepared to chart its own course regardless of their decision.
Address Over Phone in Uttar Dinajpur
Banerjee delivered her message during a rally at Chopra in Uttar Dinajpur. The intervention took place during an All India Trinamool Congress meeting in Islampur on Sunday, where Kalyan Banerjee connected her via a mobile phone to the public address microphone. Although Banerjee did not physically travel to campaign for the upcoming by-elections in Nandigram and Rejinagar, her telephonic speech served as a decisive signal to grassroots party workers and dissident leaders alike.
Accusations of Monetary Influence and Betrayal
Speaking to the gathered party cadre, Banerjee launched a fierce critique of the defecting representatives, describing them as dishonest, untrustworthy, and traitors. She accused external forces of buying these leaders off with cash. Banerjee urged the party workers who had laboured hard to secure electoral victories for these figures not to forgive them for abandoning the collective mandate of the voters.
Reference to 1998 Struggles and Current Strength
To reinforce confidence among party ranks, Banerjee revisited the formative period of the party in 1998. She reminded workers that back when elections were announced that year, the party held only two former members of Parliament. She stressed that if the organization could rebuild itself and rise from such modest beginnings, it remains exceptionally resilient today with 15 members of Parliament. Banerjee concluded by urging cadres to stand firmly with the public and maintain organizational momentum.
