TMC MLA Humayun Kabir accuses senior leaders of sidelining Abhishek Banerjee, warns of power struggle

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA from Bharatpur, Humayun Kabir, has raised concerns over efforts within the party to sideline All-India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, a key leader in the party. Kabir’s remarks came after a national working committee meeting of TMC, where tensions over leadership and power distribution appeared to surface. His comments highlight an ongoing internal debate about the future direction of the party as it prepares for upcoming elections.

Kabir questioned the rationale behind attempts to marginalize Abhishek Banerjee, asking, "Does Abhishek Banerjee have no qualifications? Why is anyone trying to corner him?" His remarks underscore the growing unease among certain sections within the TMC about the party’s leadership and the handling of power at the top levels. Banerjee has long been seen as a key player in the party, particularly in his role as the All-India General Secretary and as the nephew of party chief Mamata Banerjee.

Tensions within the TMC have been rising since Monday’s meeting at Kalighat, where Mamata Banerjee met with several senior leaders, including Kalyan Banerjee, who are part of the party’s "senior brigade." Reports indicate that, in the meeting, Abhishek Banerjee had put forward a list of potential changes for the party, including names for reshuffling and other organizational adjustments. However, the specifics of what was discussed during the meeting, including whether the reshuffle suggestions were accepted, have not been made public.

In addition to his comments on Abhishek Banerjee, Kabir also issued a warning to those seeking to monopolize power within the party. "The people surrounding the Chief Minister, trying to monopolize power, will have a dark future," he said. This statement pointed to the ongoing power struggles within the TMC, where certain senior leaders are seen as consolidating influence in preparation for the upcoming elections.

Kabir further criticized members of the party who, according to him, are motivated by self-interest. Specifically, he spoke about those in charge of Murshidabad district, saying, “Those in charge of Murshidabad district are doing such things for their own interests.” Kabir’s comments have been interpreted as a direct reference to Firhad Hakim, who is responsible for the district and has been involved in previous disputes with Kabir. Hakim has previously disagreed with Kabir on a range of issues, including Kabir’s call to make Abhishek Banerjee the full-time police minister.

Kabir, who has been a prominent figure in Murshidabad politics for 45 years, clarified that his statements were made in the interest of the party’s future, rather than for any personal gain. "I have been in politics for 45 years in Murshidabad," he stated. He emphasized that his concerns were rooted in the party’s need for unity and a clear vision as it approaches future elections. Despite his long tenure in politics, Kabir’s public comments suggest a growing divide within the party over the distribution of power and the leadership’s approach to internal governance.