In her clearest indication yet that there will be no change in the Trinamool Congress' leadership succession plans, Mamata Banerjee has thrown her full weight behind nephew Abhishek Banerjee, dismissing allegations that his growing influence triggered the party's biggest internal revolt.

As senior leaders continue to desert the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Mamata not only defended Abhishek but also apologised to the people of West Bengal "on behalf of the traitors", accused the BJP of using central agencies to engineer defections and vowed to rebuild the party even if it means starting from scratch.

Speaking during a Facebook Live interaction on Wednesday, the TMC chief praised Abhishek's conduct during multiple investigations, saying he had refused to compromise despite sustained political pressure.

"He is fighting like a tiger," Mamata Banerjee said, adding that despite criticism directed at him, he had remained steadfast and continued to battle political challenges without seeking favours.

Mamata rejects claims against Abhishek

Her remarks came amid growing criticism from rebel leaders who have blamed Abhishek Banerjee's leadership style for the widening split inside the party.

Mamata categorically rejected those allegations, arguing that Abhishek had instead become the primary political target because he refused to strike compromises.

The statement assumes significance as it is widely seen as her strongest public endorsement of Abhishek since the organisational crisis erupted, effectively signalling that the succession debate within the party is settled from her perspective.

Madan Mitra's exit triggers fresh political attack

The comments came shortly after senior TMC MLA Madan Mitra crossed over to the rebel camp led by Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee.

Before leaving, Mitra had argued that Abhishek should step aside for six months to help resolve the crisis inside the party.

Responding to that claim, Mamata said the decision had nothing to do with her nephew. Instead, she pointed to the Enforcement Directorate summons issued to Mitra's wife and two sons a day earlier, suggesting political pressure may have influenced his decision.

'BJP is using agencies to break the TMC'

Escalating her attack on the BJP, Mamata alleged that investigative agencies and police were being used to weaken opposition parties and dismantle the TMC's organisational structure.

According to her, several leaders facing investigations were switching sides out of fear rather than political conviction.

She also took aim at defectors, claiming they were entering what she described as the BJP's "washing machine" to escape legal troubles.

Apology to people, warning to rivals

In one of the most emotional moments of her address, Mamata apologised to the people for leaders who had abandoned the party.

She maintained that neither she nor her family had compromised their principles for political survival and insisted that enduring political pressure was the price they had paid for standing firm.

The veteran leader also adopted a combative tone towards her political opponents, alleging there had even been attempts to intimidate or eliminate her politically.

Projecting confidence despite the exodus, Mamata recalled the difficult phase the Trinamool Congress experienced after its electoral setbacks in 2004, saying she had rebuilt the organisation once before and was prepared to do so again if necessary.

"No one can stop me. If I could start afresh after 2004, then I can start again after 2026," she said.

She asserted that public movements and mass struggles had always defined her politics, referring to campaigns ranging from the Singur land acquisition protest to her visits to victims of major incidents across West Bengal.

TMC split enters a decisive phase

The political crisis within the TMC has intensified in recent weeks, with the rival faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee establishing parallel organisational structures and challenging Mamata Banerjee's leadership.

The rebellion has spread beyond the state unit into Parliament, where a major section of the party's Lok Sabha MPs has broken away and announced support for the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance after merging with the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI).

The confrontation is expected to escalate further as both factions prepare to hold separate July 21 Martyrs' Day programmes, a first in the party's history.

With PTI inputs