TMC Passes Resolution Backing Abhishek Banerjee After Poll Defeat

The All India Trinamool Congress on Wednesday moved to publicly back its national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee amid growing internal discussions over the party’s heavy defeat in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections.

The show of solidarity came during a meeting of newly elected TMC legislators convened by party chief and outgoing Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee at her Kalighat residence in Kolkata.

According to party sources, concerns had emerged within sections of the party regarding the electoral campaign strategy and Abhishek Banerjee’s leadership role during the polls. However, the TMC leadership sought to project unity and organisational cohesion at the high-level meeting.

Sources said Mamata Banerjee personally urged the newly elected MLAs to “honour Abhishek’s fight” during the election campaign. Following her remarks, several senior leaders and legislators supported and adopted a resolution praising Abhishek Banerjee’s efforts and contribution to the party during the elections.

The development is being viewed as an attempt by the TMC leadership to contain internal dissent and prevent factional divisions after what is being described as the party’s most significant political setback since it came to power in 2011.

Political observers believe the resolution also reinforces Abhishek Banerjee’s continued importance within the party structure despite criticism from some quarters over campaign decisions and electoral management.