Is Trinamool Congress headed for a split? Questions rise after attack on Abhishek Banerjee

KOLKATA: Fresh speculation about a possible split within the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has emerged following an attack on the party's National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee. The BJP party and a section of the TMC have alleged that the attack was carried out by local Trinamool workers when Abhishek visited families affected by post-election violence.

A meeting of TMC MLAs called by Mamata Banerjee at her Kalighat residence saw the participation of only 20 legislators. The meeting was eventually cancelled after around 60 MLAs failed to attend. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh later said the MLAs were unable to attend because they were busy organising local protests against attacks on Trinamool leaders. He added that several MLAs remained in their constituencies to help maintain law and order amid reports of unrest and police action in different areas. According to Ghosh, the MLAs had informed Mamata Banerjee about the situation on the ground, and the meeting was postponed at their request.

The BJP, however, alleged that the attack on Abhishek Banerjee was carried out by TMC workers themselves and reflected internal problems within the party. However, both Abhishek Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress have rejected the allegation. The TMC is facing increasing pressure following its heavy defeat in the Assembly elections, corruption allegations and reports of internal divisions. Several senior leaders have also publicly criticised the functioning and leadership style of Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee in recent months.