Abhishek Banerjee Challenges TMC Rebels After Office Demolition

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee challenged former party members and rebels to return to the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, pledging to resign from the party within one hour if they do. Banerjee alleged that approximately 60 MLAs and 20 MPs defected due to fear of central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and CBI, claiming these individuals made deals with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for protection.

This internal crisis coincides with the demolition of Banerjee's party office in Amtala during an anti-encroachment drive. Banerjee condemned the action as politically motivated and a BJP-scripted attack, vowing to challenge the demolition in the Calcutta High Court. TMC leader Saugata Roy also condemned the move as undemocratic and unacceptable.

BJP leaders defended the demolition, asserting the structure was an unauthorized and illegal construction. Samik Bhattacharya stated that the government acted after examining all documents, while Sukanta Majumdar challenged Banerjee to produce legal papers for the office. Saumitra Khan further suggested that Banerjee's political future within the TMC is bleak, urging remaining members to leave the party.