A fresh political storm has erupted in West Bengal following the appearance of posters featuring Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee. The posters, displayed in various parts of southern Kolkata, have sparked speculation about internal dynamics within the ruling party.
The Controversial Posters
The first set of posters, unveiled on Friday, showcased Abhishek Banerjee with the caption “Adhinayak Abhishek” (Captain Abhishek) against a yellow background. This was followed by another set of posters on Saturday, featuring Mamata Banerjee with the caption “Sarbadhinayika Jai He” (Hail the Lady Supreme Commander). Both sets of posters were attributed to FAM4TMC, a self-proclaimed online group of TMC supporters.
Political Reactions
The staggered release of the posters has fueled debates about a potential power struggle between the old guard and the younger leadership within the TMC. While FAM4TMC dismissed the controversy as unnecessary, political observers believe the timing and sequence of the posters suggest deeper undercurrents within the party.
Opposition parties have seized the opportunity to criticize the TMC. BJP MP Shamik Bhattacharya accused the ruling party of diverting attention from pressing issues, while CPI(M) leader Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya labeled the campaign a waste of resources.
TMC’s Stance
Senior TMC leaders have downplayed the controversy, reiterating Mamata Banerjee’s position as the party’s supreme leader. TMC MP Sougata Roy emphasized that the posters do not signify any shift in leadership dynamics, stating, “Mamata Banerjee remains the party supremo, and there is no doubt about her authority.”
Conclusion
As the debate continues, the posters have become a focal point for discussions about the future of the TMC and its leadership. With Mamata Banerjee currently on an official visit to the United Kingdom, the political landscape in Bengal remains charged, awaiting further developments.
