Senior Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee quashed reports of internal discord within the party, emphasising unity under Mamata Banerjee's leadership. Dismissing claims of intending inactivity, the TMC national general secretary asserted there were no differences between the party's old guard and the new generation. Speaking in Diamond Harbour, Banerjee expressed the party's commitment to work cohesively for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.
Addressing recent reports, Abhishek Banerjee refuted allegations of planning to step back from party activities, calling media reports "wrong and baseless." He clarified that, with the approaching elections, he has responsibilities in his constituency but affirmed his continued contribution to the party if assigned any task.
Amidst controversy over leadership, Banerjee's remarks follow tensions between veteran and youth leaders in the party. The recent dispute arose as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee advocated respect for senior members while rejecting calls for old leaders to retire from active politics.
Abhishek Banerjee, who supports a retirement age in politics, noted the natural decline in work efficiency with advancing age. Asserting unity under Mamata Banerjee's leadership, he stated, "Under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, all the senior and junior leaders are standing firm. If I am given any role, I will take it."
These comments align with party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh's assertion that there is no conflict between veterans and younger members. However, Ghosh emphasised the need for old leaders to know when to "draw the line and step aside for the next generation of leaders to take over."
The ongoing internal discussions echo a similar struggle within the TMC two years ago when, amidst rumors of a power struggle in January 2022, Mamata Banerjee dissolved all national office-bearer committees, including Abhishek Banerjee's position as national general secretary. A new committee was formed, and Abhishek Banerjee was reinstated, solidifying his prominence as the de facto number two in the state's ruling dispensation.
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