Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Banerjee issued a pointed warning to defecting members during a virtual meeting on June 26. She drew a compelling analogy, likening betrayal to abandoning a mother in a time of sickness. Addressing party members in North Kolkata, she emphasised the importance of unity in what she termed a relentless barrage of oppression faced by the party from the BJP-led central government.

Banerjee began her address by expressing solidarity with her workers, highlighting that the political landscape is currently filled with fear and economic hardship. “People are driven to suicide; job losses are rampant, and hawkers’ stalls are being dismantled,” she stated, shedding light on the dire circumstances many are experiencing.

She asserted that a united Trinamool Congress is crucial to countering these crises, which she attributed to BJP policies. Banerjee insisted that the party’s resilience is rooted in the sacrifices and struggles of its grassroots members, implying that these individuals have laid the foundation for the party’s success.

Criticism of Leaders Who Defected

Banerjee offered a stern critique of party leaders who have switched allegiances, suggesting that their actions stem from a desire to safeguard themselves amidst legal issues. She stated, “Those who turn their backs on us do so out of fear. It is an act of betrayal that cannot be forgiven.” Her characterisation of defectors highlighted her disappointment in their inability to demonstrate loyalty during challenging times.

The TMC chief questioned the motivations behind the departures, asking whether these leaders claim to be ‘saving workers’ while they themselves cannot enter their localities. “Are they protecting the workers or merely their own interests?” she asked, implying that such actions have adverse effects on party unity.

In her address, Banerjee underscored the significance of party workers in cultivating leadership, indicating that the collective effort of these individuals has been vital in the struggle against the opposition. She lamented that those who exploit the party for personal gain were failing to uphold the values that had brought them success.

Concerns Over Law Enforcement and Freedom of Expression

Banerjee also focused on the role of law enforcement and media in the current political climate. She expressed her concerns, stating, “What we see today is not the police force I recognise,” highlighting her criticism of policing tactics that she perceives as increasingly authoritarian. She directly addressed the suppression of voices on digital platforms, asserting that those speaking against the ruling party face unjust repercussions.

She noted that many individuals are being arrested for their digital expressions and questioned the legitimacy of denying people the right to assemble or express dissent. Her remarks reflect a broader concern regarding civil liberties in the context of growing tensions between the TMC and BJP.

In her personal commentary, Banerjee recounted her own familial divisions over issues of loyalty and betrayal, drawing parallels to her current political struggles within the party. She reassured her party members that she remains committed to their cause, noting the repeated challenges faced by her nephew, Abhishek Banerjee, from various law enforcement agencies.

Concluding her address, she made a call for solidarity ahead of the TMC’s Martyrs’ Day rally on July 21, emphasising the need for communal strength in the aftermath of adversities. Despite logistical challenges, she reaffirmed her determination to gather party members to commemorate their struggles, encouraging them to remain united in the quest for justice and representation.

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