Mamata pays tribute to July 21 martyrs amid observances by multiple factions

Former West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday paid homage to the martyrs of the July 21, 1993 firing on Monday.

In a post on X, Banerjee urged members of the “Maa-Mati-Manush” family to remain committed to the fight for democracy, justice and people’s rights.

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“I pay my heartfelt tributes to the martyrs who tragically lost their lives in 1993. May this day strengthen the resolve of every member of the Maa-Mati-Manush family to uphold democracy, justice, and the rights of the people. Their sacrifice continues to inspire us, and their legacy will forever remain at the heart of our movement,” the TMC president wrote.

On #ShahidDibas, I pay my heartfelt tributes to the martyrs who tragically lost their lives in 1993.

May this day strengthen the resolve of every member of the Maa-Mati-Manush family to uphold democracy, justice, and the rights of the people.

Their sacrifice continues to…

— Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) July 21, 2026

Her message came as the Trinamool observed one of its most politically significant dates under dramatically altered circumstances following its loss of power in West Bengal.

For the first time in decades, the traditional July 21 Martyrs’ Day programme was split into two parallel gatherings in Kolkata amid the party’s internal divide.

While Banerjee’s supporters organised a rally on Cathedral Road near Birla Planetarium, the rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee held a separate programme on Mayo Road.

Tension prevailed at the Cathedral Road venue on Monday night after Banerjee’s camp alleged that BJP workers attacked the meeting site, tore down banners and assaulted party supporters.

Following the allegations, Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee visited the venue shortly before midnight, accompanied by senior party leaders, and remained there through the night before returning home on Tuesday morning.