“Mamata will have to fold her hands before Rahul Gandhi”: Adhir Ranjan attacks TMC leadership

Senior Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury launched a sharp attack on Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee while addressing a gathering in Murshidabad amid the changing political situation in West Bengal. Referring to Mamata Banerjee’s recent appeal for opposition unity against the Bharatiya Janata Party, Adhir claimed that the former Chief Minister was now facing a political survival crisis and would eventually “have to fold her hands before Rahul Gandhi.”

Targeting Mamata Banerjee’s past political alliances, Adhir accused her of political opportunism. He said that while attempting to remove the Left Front from power, she had aligned herself with Naxal groups. Referring to the death of Maoist leader Kishenji, Adhir remarked that Mamata Banerjee was now seeking support from all sides because she herself was politically cornered. He also commented on her planned political meetings and programmes, saying it would become clear only after people responded to her call whether she was still viewed as a movement leader in Bengal.

Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury also attacked Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. In a sarcastic remark, he compared Abhishek’s residence to a “museum” and alleged that people were gathering there to witness the scale of influence and wealth accumulated through political power. He further claimed that Mamata Banerjee’s residence would also eventually become a similar symbol in public perception.

The Congress leader’s remarks came a day after Mamata Banerjee appealed for opposition unity during a Rabindra Jayanti programme at her Kalighat residence. Addressing party workers and supporters, she urged all political parties opposed to the BJP to unite on one platform. She also extended the appeal to Left and ultra-Left groups, stating that defeating the BJP would require a united political struggle both in Delhi and in West Bengal.

Despite Mamata Banerjee’s appeal, Left parties have so far not responded positively and are reportedly continuing with their independent political strategy. Adhir’s comments further intensified the political debate surrounding opposition unity in the state. The All India Trinamool Congress had not issued any official response to his remarks at the time of reporting.