Amid reports of divisions within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), MP Shatrughan Sinha expressed unrequited support for party leader Mamata Banerjee on Friday (June 12). He categorically rejected all claims that he would exit the party any time soon and also launched a scathing attack on those who chose to exit.
Sinha expressed unwavering support for his “sole leader” Mamata Banerjee and reiterated his desire to stand with her during this “moment of turmoil”. “I am a strong supporter of people’s happiness and sorrows, and I am with Mamta ji at this moment,” Sinha said.
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“I was with her, and I will remain with her. Right now, I have no intention of going in any other direction or forming any other alliance.” Additionally, he referred to Mamata Banerjee as a “mature, experienced and successful leader” and stated that getting “41% votes” is not an easy feat, a feat that most political parties in today’s scene are denied.
Leaders leave the party
When asked about his party colleagues who have to decide to walk out, Sinha reiterated the need to stand by Mamata in difficult times and even questioned why these leaders chose to walk out at a particularly weak moment in the party’s legacy.
Without naming TMC leader Sayoni Ghosh, Sinha accused several of his colleagues of imitating Didi and then leaving her in ruins at a moment of internal crisis. He also described “greed, fear, or agency pressure” as possible reasons for leaders’ exit.
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“None of them are my leaders,” Sinha reiterated. “I have only one leader, and that is Mamata Banerjee. Mamata Banerjee and Mamata Banerjee only.”
He then addressed the concerns of senior colleague Kalyan Banerjee regarding the formal structure adopted by Abhishek Banerjee in dealing with the party and its management. Sinha described him as an “intellectual par excellence” and stated that Kalyan should address any grievances or statements through internal party channels instead.
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Asked if he had any plans to join the BJP, Sinha acknowledged his “30-year association” with his former party, but reiterated his support for those who stood by him in difficult times.
“I can’t name anyone, but…those who supported me in my good and bad times and especially in my bad times, Mamata ji came forward and gave me a chance,” he admitted. “Now my leader is Mamata Banerjee and she will remain Mamata Banerjee. Right now, I have no intention of going anywhere else.”
(with ANI inputs)
