The recent incident of the rape and murder of a junior doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Hospital has stirred a wave of unrest within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), raising concerns about the party's internal unity and the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Political circles are increasingly perceiving this internal dissent as a significant challenge for Banerjee, who is already under pressure from multiple fronts.
In an effort to counter the growing outrage and demand justice for the victim, Mamata Banerjee, along with other party leaders, took to the streets, demanding the death penalty for the culprits. However, despite this public show of solidarity, there appears to be no clear strategy to address the internal pressures mounting within her party.
On the night of August 14, the situation escalated when a mob attacked the premises of RG Kar Hospital during a demonstration under the 'Reclaim the Night' campaign. The incident sparked widespread condemnation, including a strong reaction from the TMC's General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee.
Abhishek Banerjee maintaining a conspicuous silence on the matter after a tweet
In a surprising move, Abhishek took to Twitter to demand that the Kolkata Police Commissioner arrest all those involved within 24 hours, regardless of their political affiliations. This direct and public reprimand of the police was seen as a significant departure from the party's usual approach, raising eyebrows in political circles. However, following this tweet, Abhishek Banerjee has maintained a conspicuous silence on the matter, apart from retweeting a Kolkata Police update without any personal comment.
This silence has fueled speculation, especially given Abhishek's previous involvement in the internal 'new vs. old' controversy within the party. The issue has been further complicated by the outspoken comments from other senior TMC leaders.
Party leader goes against party's official stance
Rajya Sabha member Sukhendu Sekhar Roy and former MP Shantanu Sen have both voiced their concerns in ways that have placed the party and government in a difficult position. Roy, in particular, has questioned the functioning of the Kolkata Police and the Principal of RG Kar Medical College, effectively going against the party's official stance.
Removed from party spokesperson position
Shantanu Sen, another influential figure within the party, also adopted a rebellious tone, which led to his removal from the position of party spokesperson. Sen had openly criticized the handling of irregularities at the medical college, even questioning whether he should allow his daughter, who studies there, to continue her night duties given the safety concerns. His wife, Kakoli Sen, also joined in condemning the incident. Despite his removal, Sen has stood by his statements, clarifying that his comments were not aimed at the party or any specific leader.
These rebellious voices within the TMC are creating a significant challenge for Mamata Banerjee. Political analysts suggest that Banerjee is under immense pressure, as she has yet to address the mass protests by thousands of women or the internal dissent within her party. Instead, she has opted for a strategic approach, including removing Shantanu Sen from his spokesperson role and having Sukhendu summoned by the Kolkata Police.
Mamata is treading cautiously
While Mamata Banerjee's control over the party does not appear to be slipping entirely, the increasing internal discord is undoubtedly adding to her challenges. The silence of Abhishek Banerjee, in particular, has added an element of mystery to the situation, raising questions about his position within the party's power dynamics.
For Mamata Banerjee, the current situation is akin to walking a tightrope. Any harsh action against dissenting leaders could potentially play into the hands of the opposition, which is why she is treading cautiously. The unfolding events will test her leadership and the unity of the Trinamool Congress in the coming days.
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