Sougata Roy is likely one of the veteran leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Because the social gathering collapses, members Plans to resign or be part of a insurgent group Roy mentioned TMC chairperson Mamata Banerjee should take heed to the grievances of these nonetheless within the social gathering, together with these in opposition to her nephew Abhishek Banerjee. Roy mentioned the Bharatiya Janata Get together had additionally contacted him, however the consideration was closed “for now.” excerpt:
TMC appears to be unraveling in a short time. The events within the state Legislature have cut up, and now lawmakers are exploring totally different paths. What do you suppose now?
There are two causes for this. The social gathering misplaced as a result of it was anti-incumbent. There was numerous pent-up anger amongst those that voted in opposition to it. Now, most of those MLAs and even MPs had been new. They’d no political or battle background, so they might not consider combating in troublesome situations. They’d no spine and had been on the lookout for a method out. The BJP first launched ‘Operation Lotus’ in West Bengal after which ‘Operation Lotus’ amongst Congress employees in Delhi. The BJP has big assets and cash and can even blackmail folks with the CBI and ED. So that they succeeded. Some, like Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, could have had private grievances. She was indignant that her son was not given a parliamentary ticket. All of this snowballed into what seemed to be an exodus from the TMC. It is a troublesome scenario.
As a veteran chief, how do you see the social gathering surviving this example?
Mamata Banerjee feels she has to take heed to the grievances of those that are nonetheless within the social gathering. She has to speak to folks. If she has any grievances in opposition to Abhishek Banerjee, she should tackle them too. Subsequent, you additionally must make a journey plan. She is understood for her courageous character and has to battle in opposition to the bottom rung of the BJP as they’re torturing and beating Trinamool folks, vandalizing social gathering workplaces and placing TMC folks in jail. she has to battle it.
Furthermore, she should even have the help of the Indian bloc, particularly the Congress. Individuals have confronted worse conditions earlier than. Indira Gandhi herself suffered a defeat in 1977, however recovered inside three years. Due to this fact, I nonetheless consider that the social gathering should battle again fairly than react to momentary issues.
Ought to she additionally speak to those so-called rebels and dissident MLAs and MPs?
Sure, it’s best to. I don’t know how a lot bother these dissident MPs and MLAs have gone by means of. I do not understand how a lot they’ve contributed to the Bharatiya Janata Get together or what they’ve obtained from the Bharatiya Janata Get together. However it’s important to make an effort.
What are the grievances of dissident MLAs and MPs?
Sure, I mentioned it. One of many complaints pertains to Abhishek Banerjee’s high-handed angle. One other downside is that there isn’t any one inside the social gathering to take heed to their grievances.
Do you suppose there are some domineering features?
It is nothing private, however I can see how folks would react generally.
Will eradicating or barring Abhishek from the social gathering publish remedy the issue?
I do not wish to make radical statements. Who am I to say one thing like this? I believe complaints need to be addressed.
Right this moment, veteran social gathering chief Kalyan Banerjee, who has been a powerful supporter of Mamata Banerjee until now, additionally got here out and mentioned that one ought to select between Abhishek and the social gathering.
I noticed that too. I do not perceive. I’ve by no means talked to him. So I am unsure what the particular complaints are.
May this not be a sign that even the social gathering elders who are usually not in opposition to Mamata are a bit agitated now?
Sure, let’s have a look.
When Mamata Banerjee was in Delhi, she held talks with Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi. Then Abhishek additionally met Rahul. Is a merger with Congress on the agenda?
It is nonetheless early days. That is media hypothesis. However one thing should be finished to foster nearer ties with Congress.
Are you in favor of merger or do you suppose Trinamool ought to stay impartial and work intently with Congress to battle again?
we’ve got to battle. Whether or not or to not merge the events is a matter that needs to be thought of. However the social gathering ought to battle again.
Are you continue to with Mamata Banerjee?
For now.
To date, that is fascinating. Have any of those opposition members ever spoken to you or contacted you? Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar or anybody else?
No, no. A few of them talked earlier than leaving. I did not speak to Kakori. I met her however did not speak to her. However the bigwigs of the BJP have been speaking to me.
what did they are saying?
That is a part of Lotus’ enterprise. “Why aren’t you coming?”
Did you obtain an invite?
Sure, I obtained an invite.
Is it nonetheless into consideration or has it been rejected?
At this level, consideration has ended.
However is it “for the time being”?
For now.
