Former West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday declared that her party would recover from its electoral setback, dismissing criticism over her age and insisting that resignations by some leaders would not derail the organisation.
In a video message released amid growing unrest within the TMC, Banerjee said the party had overcome difficult phases before and was capable of doing so again. Her remarks come as the party faces internal dissent following its defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections.
Mamata Banerjee says TMC can recover from poll setback
Projecting confidence, Banerjee said the TMC still had committed workers and was attracting new members despite recent setbacks.
“I will fight for the common people and the workers. I have enough workers; many new people are also joining us,” she said.
Referring to the party’s current position in Parliament, Banerjee said, “Today we have 18 MPs. Yes, some are being threatened. Even today, one man is left. He told me yesterday that his family is being threatened. I will say — those who want to leave, please do. If I can restart (the party) in 2006, I can do it in 2026.”
She also questioned the outcome of the Assembly election, alleging that the verdict had been influenced.
“We were made to lose. Someday it will be proven,” she claimed.
TMC chief targets critics, alleges pressure on party leaders
Banerjee also responded to criticism directed at her, urging people not to mock others over their age.
“Do not try to age-shame anyone. On the day of the election result, lumpens of the BJP wished me death by heart attack. I will stay alive till I see your end,” she said.
She further alleged that police personnel were acting in the BJP’s interest and exerting pressure on TMC leaders.
“I respect the police, but they are acting as BJP workers and threatening our leaders. Either join the BJP or the other camp; if not, they are being sent to jail,” she alleged.
Reiterating that she had not compromised her principles, Banerjee said, “If I had done setting we would not have faced this, but I don’t sell my conscience.”
Kolkata, West Bengal: Former CM and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee says, “Do not try to age-shame anyone… On the day of the election result, lumpens of the BJP wished me death by heart attack. I will stay alive till I see your end…I will fight for the common people and the workers.… pic.twitter.com/91qylxYdU4
— ANI (@ANI) July 16, 2026
Madan Mitra resignation adds to TMC’s internal turmoil
Banerjee’s remarks come days after Kamarhati MLA and former West Bengal minister Madan Mitra resigned from the TMC.
Mitra said he was unable to function effectively within the party and alleged that the leadership was giving greater importance to TMC general secretary Abhishek Banerjee than strengthening the organisation. He also claimed that concerns he had repeatedly raised with the leadership had gone unanswered.