Inside Kalyan Banerjee's Explosive Ultimatum to Mamata Banerjee

The internal crisis within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has escalated dramatically after senior party MP and advocate Kalyan Banerjee publicly challenged the influence of party General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee and asked Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to choose one between them.

The latest outburst comes amid a widening rebellion within the party, multiple resignations from the Rajya Sabha, and claims by dissidents that a significant section of TMC legislators now backs the rebel camp.

Why Did Kalyan Banerjee Turn Against Abhishek Banerjee?

The immediate trigger for the confrontation was a legal dispute involving a signature forgery case in which Kalyan Banerjee had been representing Abhishek Banerjee.

Addressing reporters in Kolkata, Kalyan Banerjee accused Abhishek Banerjee of sidelining him by appointing another lawyer without consultation and alleged that he had been humiliated despite handling the matter extensively.

He said, "One criminal revision petition was filed, which was listed on Friday before the vacation bench. Six hours I sat for that matter. The matter was not called on; in the end I mentioned it before the Honourable judge. Honourable judge said that the matter will come up on Wednesday. Tuesday, the search was conducted, then yesterday morning, I mentioned the matter before the court and said that the matter was extremely urgent. Yesterday, a lawyer came saying Abhishek Banerjee had sent him. Then said that another writ petition has been filed regarding the search. I had already mentioned the matter in the criminal revision, why did you file the petition without consulting me?"

What Ultimatum Did Kalyan Banerjee Give Mamata Banerjee?

The veteran TMC leader did not stop at criticising Abhishek Banerjee. He went a step further and publicly urged Mamata Banerjee to decide whether she wanted to continue relying on her nephew or retain his support.

He said, "It is better that one person handles the matter. If you think that I cannot handle, you take the matter and don't treat me as a dustbin. Inform me within an hour. Today, I was informed by my son that I will not appear. Henceforth, I will not be appearing in any matter on behalf of Abhishek Banerjee. I don't like this arrogant attitude. One must respect the seniors. How can he humiliate me? He should understand that the party is facing problems because of him. But he goes and disrespects everyone. This is not tolerable. I will urge Didi: if you will remain dependent on Abhishek Banerjee, then stick with him-leave me. But if you part ways with Abhishek Banerjee, then I am with you."

The remarks represent one of the sharpest public attacks on Abhishek Banerjee from within the party's senior ranks.

Has Mamata Banerjee Responded to the Dispute?

Kalyan Banerjee revealed that while senior TMC leader Derek O'Brien had contacted him, Mamata Banerjee had not yet reached out.

He said, "Derek called me I informed me. Didi has not called me. I will be taking up other persons' and Trinamool Congress matters. He (Abhishek Banerjee) is not Trinamool Congress."

The statement is significant because it attempts to separate the party's identity from that of its national general secretary, highlighting growing tensions within the organisation.

How Serious Is the Rebellion Inside the TMC?

The confrontation comes against the backdrop of an increasingly visible split within the party.

On Thursday, Rajya Sabha MP Prakash Chik Baraik resigned from the Upper House, becoming the third TMC parliamentarian to do so within a week. Earlier, Sushmita Dev resigned on June 10, while Sukhendu Sekhar Ray stepped down on June 8.

Explaining his decision, Baraik said, "Accepting the opinion given by the people of West Bengal, I have also submitted my resignation today."

His subsequent visit to BJP MP Nishikant Dubey's residence further fuelled speculation that dissident TMC leaders may be moving closer to the NDA.

Meanwhile, reports of a possible merger between rebels and the Congress have been denied by the Congress leadership. Interestingly, Abhishek Banerjee met Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi at 10 Janpath in New Delhi on Wednesday.

Could the Internal Rift Threaten TMC's Legislative Strength?

Rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee has claimed that the dissident camp enjoys the support of 64 MLAs in the West Bengal Assembly. With TMC holding 80 seats, the claim, if accurate, would indicate a major challenge to the party leadership.

Adding to concerns, rebel MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar has confirmed that a group of 20 MPs has formally sought separate seating arrangements in the Lok Sabha, a move widely seen as evidence of an organisational split within the parliamentary party.

Taken together, the resignations, public attacks, and claims of legislative support suggest that the Trinamool Congress is facing one of the most significant internal crises in its recent history. How Mamata Banerjee responds to the growing divide between loyalists and rebels could determine the party's future trajectory in West Bengal politics.

(With inputs from ANI)