As the Trinamool Congress (TMC) continues to witness high-profile exits from within its ranks, party chief Mamata Banerjee on Thursday issued a stern message to leaders planning to desert her faction, asking them to do so before the July 21 Martyrs’ Day rally.
The appeal came amid a continuing exodus from the party, the latest being Rajya Sabha MP Koel Mallick, who submitted her resignation on Thursday.
A section of the party has already aligned with the faction led by Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee, while former minister Madan Mitra recently switched camps.
On Thursday, former minister Manish Gupta also publicly announced his decision to quit the party.
In a video message released a day after making similar remarks, Mamata said those intending to leave should join the rival camp before July 21 instead of attempting to malign the party.
“Those who want to leave should do so before July 21. But never think that by defaming the party you are enhancing your own respect. Save your family if you must. Your family, property, luggage and baggage are the reason behind the BJP’s package,” she said.
Taking a swipe at the BJP over the dispute surrounding the party’s name and symbol, Mamata said political parties may change their names or election symbols, but their ideology, objectives and principles cannot be erased through the use of political power.
Her remarks came a day after the Calcutta High Court permitted the Kalighat faction of the TMC to hold its July 21 rally in front of the Birla Planetarium.
While welcoming the court’s order, Mamata expressed doubts over whether the administration would act impartially in implementing the decision.
Alleging that people were being intimidated to stay away from the rally, she claimed that police personnel in several places were warning supporters against attending the programme.
“I know the police are telling people not to go and that they will be stopped. I appeal to the administration to remain neutral and not work as one side. If Delhi becomes unstable, the situation here will also change. Those leaving today are still in touch with us secretly. Some can withstand fear, others cannot. But we have never learnt to bow our heads,” she said.
The TMC chief also alleged that despite the High Court’s permission, there could be attempts to intimidate those involved in setting up the stage, sound system and other logistical arrangements for the rally.
However, she asserted that no obstacle would prevent the programme from taking place.
Mamata said the July 21 rally would be held as scheduled even if a stage could not be erected, adding that she would address party workers while standing among the people if necessary.
She also urged party supporters to attend the annual Martyrs’ Day gathering in large numbers despite the prevailing political challenges.