‘If I am the problem, return to Mamata & I will resign’: Abhishek Banerjee challenges TMC rebels

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday challenged leaders who blamed him for leaving the party, saying he would resign if they returned to party chief Mamata Banerjee.

Responding to criticism from leaders who have switched sides after the party’s recent political setbacks, Banerjee said those claiming that his presence was preventing them from staying with the TMC should come back and prove their stand.

“If anyone has a problem with me, I give them a challenge: if those MLAs and MPs return to Mamata Banerjee within 24 hours, I will submit my resignation,” Banerjee said.

He later intensified the challenge, reducing the timeframe to one hour.

“Forget 24 hours, I will reduce it to one hour. If you claim that you will all come back if Abhishek Banerjee leaves, then come back. Come at 3 pm and I will be gone by 4 pm,” he said.

Banerjee’s remarks came amid criticism from some TMC leaders who have blamed him for the party’s recent troubles and their decision to move away. Rejecting those allegations, he said targeting him had become a convenient explanation for leaders seeking to justify their political choices.

The TMC leader questioned why those who believed he was responsible for the party’s problems did not leave earlier, pointing out that he was present during both the party’s electoral victories and defeats.

“If the responsibility for defeat belongs to Abhishek Banerjee, then you must also accept that the responsibility for the party’s victory in 2024 and the 29 Lok Sabha seats won also belongs to Abhishek Banerjee,” he said.

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Banerjee also alleged that some leaders criticising him after leaving the party were following a political script designed to protect themselves from investigation agencies.

According to him, leaders who switch sides after receiving notices from agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are choosing not to fight politically.

“Everyone has the right to make their own decision and go wherever they want. But if someone changes sides the moment they receive an ED summons, it shows they do not want to fight. They are afraid, and only those who are afraid give in,” he said.

Referring to his own legal battles, Banerjee said he had appeared before investigating agencies despite facing multiple summons.

“I have also been summoned by the ED. I did not run away. I have been called around 10 times,” he said.

He added that he had also received summons from the CBI, Special Task Force (STF) and West Bengal Police and claimed that several FIRs had been registered against him. Banerjee said he had approached the High Court seeking details of all cases filed against him.

The TMC MP further argued that political leaders should not seek safety through changing parties, saying his priority remained accountability to voters.

“Protection from the ED is not important to us; protection of the public is what is important,” he said.

Banerjee’s remarks come at a time when defections, internal criticism and questions over leadership have become major talking points in West Bengal politics.