Former Aide Partha Chatterjee Accuses Mamata Banerjee of Overlooking Corruption in TMC

Former West Bengal minister and once a close aide of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Partha Chatterjee, has launched a scathing attack on the Trinamool Congress leadership following the party’s defeat in the recent Assembly elections. In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Chatterjee alleged that Mamata Banerjee overlooked corruption within the party, and both she and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee were responsible for the electoral setback. The senior leader, who served as a troubleshooter and general secretary, claimed that the Trinamool Congress had become detached from the masses and struggled to accept the people’s verdict after the results.

Chatterjee specifically targeted Abhishek Banerjee’s style of functioning, accusing him of attempting to change the political culture of the party. He criticized the aggressive manner in which Abhishek attacked Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the election campaign, describing it as derogatory and against Bengal’s traditional political ethos. The former minister noted that the party leadership did not restrain Abhishek, allowing such conduct to continue unchecked during the polls.

The remarks carry an implicit criticism of dynastic politics within the Trinamool Congress. Chatterjee stated that the party cannot be a platform for grooming a single individual and that leaders must emerge through prolonged struggle and by earning the trust of the people. Abhishek Banerjee, who was appointed national president of the All India Trinamool Youth Congress in 2011 and later rose to become the party’s National General Secretary and Leader in the Lok Sabha, has faced resentment from several veteran leaders due to his rapid elevation.

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The internal criticism comes at a time when the Trinamool Congress is grappling with post-poll introspection and reports of leaders distancing themselves from the party. Chatterjee’s comments reflect growing discontent among some old guard members who feel sidelined in recent years. His statements have added fuel to the ongoing debate within the party about the reasons behind its poor performance in the state elections.

Analysts view Chatterjee’s outburst as a significant blow to Mamata Banerjee’s leadership, especially since he was long considered one of her most loyal lieutenants. The former minister’s remarks highlight deeper issues of governance, corruption, and organisational disconnect that reportedly contributed to the Trinamool Congress’s electoral reverses. Several senior leaders have either quit or expressed dissatisfaction in the aftermath of the defeat.

As the party attempts to regroup in opposition, Partha Chatterjee’s public criticism may trigger further introspection and possibly more exits from the ranks. The developments underscore the challenges facing the Trinamool Congress as it navigates a difficult political phase in West Bengal while dealing with internal rebellion from within its own ranks.

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