As the Parliament’s winter session opened on Monday, Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Mamata Banerjee made it clear that her party would not tolerate the ‘big brother’ attitude of Congress, its ally in the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). The statement, which followed the recent assembly election results in Maharashtra and Jharkhand, signaled a shift in the TMC’s stance towards its alliance partner, particularly over the party’s approach to issues in West Bengal.
During a national executive committee meeting held in Kolkata, Banerjee emphasized that the TMC would remain aligned with the INDIA alliance but would assertively raise issues pertinent to West Bengal. She pointed out that the people of Bengal had given her party a strong mandate, and it was essential that TMC MPs use their position to highlight the state’s concerns. The key issues she listed included rising prices, the central government’s neglect of Bengal, and the non-payment of 100-day work money, a scheme aimed at rural employment.
TMC MP Chandrima Bhattacharya further confirmed these points, stating that issues like price rise, the unfulfilled promises regarding 100 days’ work money, and the ongoing situation in Manipur would be raised in Parliament by TMC lawmakers.
One of the major focuses for TMC will be the Aparajita bill, which was passed by the West Bengal government. This bill aims to enforce strict punishment for rapists and is currently awaiting approval from the President of India. Mamata Banerjee has set plans in motion to rally for the bill, with the TMC women’s cell organizing protests across Bengal on November 30, urging the central government to pass the bill as an Act. Additionally, after December 10, a group of 15 TMC representatives—comprising 10 MPs and 5 MLAs—will approach the President to push for the bill’s enactment.
Despite the party not facing any significant repercussions over the RG Kar Hospital rape-murder case in the recent bypolls, TMC intends to keep the movement for women’s safety alive and maintain its image as a strong advocate for women’s rights.
In terms of internal restructuring, Mamata Banerjee announced several key changes. The formation of three disciplinary committees was revealed, which will oversee actions within the party. A show-cause notice will be sent to any leader involved in anti-party activities, with suspension following failure to respond to multiple notices. The new committees include members such as Sudip Banerjee, Derek O’Brien, and Kakoli Ghosh Dostidar among others.
Moreover, the TMC’s national working committee has expanded, with the addition of seven new members, including Kalyan Banerjee and Javed Khan. These strategic moves signal Mamata’s intention to streamline the party and tighten its organizational structure.
