"Choose Abhishek Or Me": Kalyan Banerjee's Explosive Warning To Mamata Amid Deepening TMC Revolt
A major political storm erupted within the Trinamool Congress on Thursday after senior MP Kalyan Banerjee publicly challenged the party's leadership structure and launched a blistering attack on Abhishek Banerjee, further exposing the widening cracks within the organisation.
The outspoken parliamentarian, long regarded as one of Mamata Banerjee's most loyal lieutenants, made it clear that his allegiance remains with the West Bengal Chief Minister but not with her nephew and the party's national general secretary. His comments come at a time when the Trinamool Congress is already battling resignations, internal dissent and a growing rebellion among lawmakers.
Kalyan Banerjee announced that he would no longer represent Abhishek Banerjee in legal matters, citing what he described as repeated disrespect and an increasingly arrogant attitude. Expressing his frustration, he said, "I am still with Didi but won't tolerate Abhishek Banerjee's arrogance. I have quit all cases related to Banerjee."
The controversy reportedly began after Kalyan Banerjee discovered that another legal petition had been filed in a matter he was handling and that a different senior lawyer had been assigned without consulting him. The veteran advocate, who has spent more than four decades in the legal profession, said the move was deeply insulting.
Speaking to reporters, he remarked, "He thinks everyone is beneath him, as if everyone is merely an employee from Camac Street. I have spent 45 years in this profession."
In his strongest attack yet, Kalyan Banerjee accused Abhishek Banerjee of contributing to the party's current troubles and questioned his style of leadership. He stated, "He has become so arrogant and does not respect anyone. That is why I have stepped aside."
The senior leader then revealed that he had conveyed a direct message to Mamata Banerjee regarding the future course of the party. "This morning I told Didi: choose between me and Abhishek Banerjee," he said, a remark that immediately triggered speculation about a deeper power struggle within the Trinamool Congress.
Political observers view the statement as one of the most serious public challenges to Abhishek Banerjee from within the party's senior ranks. The timing is particularly significant as the Trinamool Congress continues to face turbulence following electoral setbacks and a series of high-profile exits.
Over recent weeks, multiple MPs and MLAs have openly expressed dissatisfaction with the party's direction. Several leaders have either resigned or distanced themselves from the current leadership, fuelling discussions about the future of the organisation.
Kalyan Banerjee's intervention has now added a new layer to the unfolding crisis. With one of Mamata Banerjee's trusted political allies openly questioning Abhishek Banerjee's leadership and demanding a choice between the two camps, the pressure on the Trinamool Congress leadership is likely to intensify in the days ahead.
