Kalighat TMC MLAs stage assembly protest backing Sonam Wangchuk; then a ‘Lovely’ Mitra entry

The Kalighat faction of the Trinamool Congress staged a sit-in protest at the foot of the B.R. Ambedkar statue inside the West Bengal Assembly premises on Friday, demanding that the Union government immediately intervene in the ongoing hunger strike of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk.

Holding placards and banners, the protesters urged the Centre to initiate talks with Wangchuk, who has been on an indefinite fast for the last 19 days, and to ensure that his health is not compromised.

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Among those who took part in the demonstration were senior Mamata Banerjee camp Trinamool leaders Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, former Assembly Speaker Biman Banerjee, Ashok Deb, Kunal Ghosh, Alifa Ahmed, Beena Mondal, Rukbanur Rahman, Babar Ali and Asima Patra.

Addressing the gathering, Chattopadhyay criticised the BJP-led Union government for what he described as its silence over Wangchuk’s agitation.

“He is fighting for issues related to the environment and education. If anything untoward happens to him, the entire country will mourn. We stand by him, but it is the Union government that must respond immediately by opening a dialogue with him,” he said.

Kunal Ghosh also attacked the Centre, alleging that it had failed to respond to a peaceful democratic movement. The protesters demanded that a central delegation be sent to meet Wangchuk without further delay. The demonstration has generated political interest because it was organised by leaders identified with the Kalighat faction of the party, only days after former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had spoken with Wangchuk and expressed solidarity with his movement.

The protest, however, took an unexpected political turn when Kamarhati MLA Madan Mitra, known for his colourful personality and his signature ‘Lovely’ remarks, arrived at the venue. His appearance drew attention amid continuing speculation over his recent participation in programmes organised by the camp led by Leader of Opposition in Bengal Assembly, Ritabrata Banerjee.

Mitra’s presence assumes significance as it came a day after reports that Enforcement Directorate notices had been issued to his wife and sons. His recent appearance alongside the Ritabrata camp has already fuelled speculation about shifting political equations within the Trinamool Congress.

Standing beside Mitra, Ghosh made a pointed remark, saying, “Physically he may have gone there, but we know one of our own remains among them. Let him speak his mind for a few days. We want him to remain well.”

The comment immediately triggered speculation over whether Ghosh was hinting at political messaging within rival camps of the party.

Responding with equal brevity, Mitra quipped that he wished to see Chattopadhyay “sitting in the Opposition benches for the next ten years.”

Chattopadhyay replied in a lighter vein, saying, “I shall return again.”

The exchange added a fresh layer of intrigue to the Trinamool Congress’s evolving internal dynamics, even as the day’s protest remained centred on demanding the Union government’s intervention in Sonam Wangchuk’s fast.