A display of outreach and reconciliation marked Trinamool Congress's election committee meeting in Kolaghat, East Midnapore, on Friday. The party's national General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee met and engaged with several senior leaders who were denied tickets this time, signalling an effort to contain internal dissent ahead of the Assembly elections.
According to party sources, Banerjee's interactions were aimed at calming resentment among leaders and their supporters and reinforcing unity in the district. Political observers believe the move was also intended to consolidate the party’s campaign against the BJP.
Outreach to disgruntled leaders
At the helipad, former state minister Biplab Roychowdhury, who did not get a ticket this time, received Abhishek Banerjee. In a notable gesture, Banerjee touched his feet as a mark of respect.
On the stage, he also met another former minister, Soumen Kumar Mahapatra. He inquired about his health and held a brief private conversation with him. Both leaders, who have significant influence in East Midnapore, were reportedly unhappy after being denied tickets.
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Roychowdhury, a six-time contestant from Panskura East, was replaced by Asim Maji this election. Mahapatra, a four-time MLA and former minister, has also been sidelined and has recently voiced concerns about party decisions.
Message of unity before polls
Abhishek Banerjee's outreach extended beyond East Midnapore. In Jhargram's Binpur, he asked disgruntled leader Debnath Hansda to campaign for party candidate Birbaha Hansda and assured him of alternative arrangements.
Party insiders said the effort appears to be aimed at reducing factionalism and ensuring coordinated campaigning.
Following the meeting, leaders responded positively. Debnath Hansda said, "Our leader Abhishek Banerjee has instructed us to campaign in support of Birbaha. Now we have only one pledge, to make Birbaha win by a record margin of votes."
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Soumen Mahapatra said, "Abhishek Banerjee has inquired about my health. He has asked me to campaign for the elections."
Biplab Roychowdhury added, "I am a soldier of the party. I am ready to fulfill whatever responsibility the party gives me. Abhishek Banerjee's courtesy has impressed me."
Tamluk organisational district president Sujit Kumar Roy said, "Senior leaders like Soumen Mahapatra and Biplab Roychowdhury are like our guardians. The fight against BJP will be intensified by taking everyone together."
