Lok Sabha MP Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar resigned from all organizational posts in the Trinamool Congress on Wednesday, days after publicly expressing his disappointment with the party leadership.
Dastidar had recently stayed away from important party events and raised concerns about the party’s internal functioning. Although she is stepping down from her party responsibilities, she will continue as a member of Parliament.
Dastidar held several positions within the party, including the position of head of the women’s wing of the TMC.
Read also | “Corruption is definitely a major reason for the defeat of the TMC”: Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar
Dastidar attended an administrative meeting on Tuesday chaired by Suvendu Adhikari, despite objections from the TMC leadership, news agency PTI reported.
“After a deep mental struggle and long thought”
Dastidar said in her resignation letter that she made the decision after “deep mental struggle and long reflection.”
“I am sincerely grateful for the honor, responsibility and opportunity to work alongside the people that the All India Trinamool Congress has given me during my long political career,” she wrote.
She described her role as head of the women’s wing as an “important chapter” in her political journey, but said she could no longer continue in this position.
“But with great sadness and concern, I request to resign from the post of President of the All India Trinamool Mahila Congress along with other organizational positions, committees and responsibilities of the party,” the letter said.
Raises concerns about the party’s performance
Dastidar also spoke about her disappointment with the party’s internal atmosphere and the leadership’s response.
“It is not worth remaining in a situation where the inappropriate behavior of another uneducated and rude MP toward a female MP cannot be stopped, or the cooperation and sympathy of senior leadership cannot be obtained,” she wrote.
The MP said that several incidents and allegations in West Bengal over the past decade have deeply affected her conscience.
“My conscience is deeply affected today, as numerous financial and administrative irregularities, including corruption in rations and corruption in teacher recruitment, have aroused deep anger and distrust in the minds of the general public,” she said.
She also referred to the death of a PGT doctor at RG Kar Medical College and the allegations linked to the case.
“…The tragic death of PGT doctor Abhaya at RG Kar Medical College and allegations of a possible cover-up of this incident have hurt and shocked the entire community,” she wrote.
Mentions concerns about IPAC
In the letter, Dastidar also raised concerns about allegations related to IPAC and what she described as growing “opaque and undemocratic influence” within the organisation.
“I believe that if a vague and undemocratic influence gradually takes over the organization instead of a democratic political culture, it will not be beneficial for the party’s ideology and traditions,” she said.
At the same time, she made it clear that her resignation was not due to anger or personal resentment.
“I want to make it clear that I am making this decision not out of any anger or personal pride, but out of my moral responsibility to the party, democracy and public life,” the letter said.
She added that she will not leave the Trinamool Congress and will continue working for the people of Bengal as an ordinary party functionary.
