TMC issues show-cause notices to 5 spokespersons over 'anti-party remarks'

The Trinamool Congress has issued show-cause notices to five party spokespersons over alleged anti-party remarks following the party’s poor performance in the West Bengal Assembly elections. The leaders who received notices are Riju Dutta, Krishnendu Chowdhury, Kohinoor Majumdar, Papiya Ghosh and Kartik Ghosh. All five have been directed to submit their replies within 24 hours explaining why disciplinary action should not be taken against them for violating party discipline.

The disciplinary action comes after the Trinamool Congress secured only 80 seats in the Assembly elections, while the Bharatiya Janata Party won 207 seats. Following the election results, several leaders, former MLAs and spokespersons within the party reportedly began publicly questioning the role and political strategy of the top leadership. According to party sources, the remarks made by some spokespersons prompted the leadership to initiate disciplinary proceedings.

The show-cause notices were issued by Derek O'Brien on behalf of the party’s disciplinary committee. The notices sought explanations from the spokespersons regarding their public comments after the election defeat. According to sources, some of the leaders who received notices had already prepared detailed responses. Reports indicated that while some leaders drafted replies of around two pages, others prepared responses extending beyond four pages.

One of the spokespersons who received the notice stated that a response would be submitted to the party leadership. The spokesperson also claimed that several people within the party had privately expressed support after the notices were issued. According to the statement, even members of the outgoing cabinet had contacted some of the leaders facing disciplinary action. The spokesperson further stated that the public remarks reflected concerns already being discussed within sections of the party.

Party sources indicated that discontent within sections of the Trinamool Congress had intensified after the Assembly election results. The spokespersons who received notices had allegedly questioned decisions and strategies adopted by parts of the leadership during the election campaign. The disciplinary committee is now expected to review the replies submitted by the five leaders before deciding on further action.