In her first major political programme since the Assembly election setback, Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee took to the streets of Kolkata on Tuesday. However, the protest at Dharmatala’s Y-Channel was marred by chaos, forcing her to halt her speech midway.

Banerjee began her programme by leaving her Kalighat residence and proceeding to the Gandhi statue on Mayo Road, where she paid floral tribute. Holding a copy of the Constitution of India, she then led a march on foot to the Y-Channel, accompanied by senior party leaders including Madan Mitra, Kunal Ghosh, Kalyan Banerjee, and Dola Sen.

A temporary protest podium had been set up near the bus stand adjacent to the Y-Channel, where she addressed party workers and supporters.

Thin presence of senior leaders

The event witnessed a noticeably lower turnout of senior party leaders. In the aftermath of the Assembly election results, a large number of TMC MLAs and MPs were absent, pointing to apparent internal strains within the party.

Among those present on stage were Chandrima Bhattacharya, Sovandeb Chattopadhyay, Mala Roy, Nayna Bandyopadhyay, Ashok Deb, Akhil Giri, Indranil Sen, Derek O’Brien, Krishna Chakraborty, and Firhad Hakim. Councillor Swapan Samaddar was also seen arriving with supporters, but overall participation by elected representatives remained limited.

Strong message against ‘intimidation’

Despite disruptions, a sizeable number of party workers and supporters took part in the sit-in protest. Addressing them, Banerjee sought to boost morale and accused political opponents of intimidation.

“Our party’s MLAs, councillors, and candidates are being illegally intimidated. Trinamool workers are being prevented from stepping out of their homes and are living in fear. But we will not be intimidated. We will take to the streets and continue this fight. We will protect every word of the Constitution,” she said.

Allegations against Centre, defiance on restrictions

Banerjee also accused the BJP-led central government of orchestrating a “conspiracy” to weaken the TMC. Referring to administrative restrictions, she claimed that police had informed them late at night that prior permission would be required to hold events at the Y-Channel.

“This is not practical. If such a rule exists, it should have been communicated earlier. This is an attempt to suppress dissenting voices,” she said.

Asserting her defiance, Banerjee added, “Wherever I find space, I will sit down. You cannot stop me.”

The protest, intended as a show of strength after the electoral setback, instead highlighted organisational challenges within the party and underscored the prevailing political tensions in the state.

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