Senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee, addressing recent speculations of internal discord within the party, underscored the unity under the leadership of TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee. The national general secretary of TMC, who is also Mamata Banerjee's nephew, dismissed reports of a rift between the old guard and the new generation.


Speaking at a programme in Diamond Harbour in South 24 Parganas district, Abhishek Banerjee stated, "In the last few days, there have been reports of differences between the old and new members of the party. However, I want to emphasise that the party remains united under the leadership of our supremo and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee", as quoted by news agency PTI.


He clarified that there were no differences between the old guard and the new generation within the TMC and asserted the party's collective commitment to working cohesively in preparation for the upcoming Lok Sabha polls.


Dismissing allegations that he planned to become inactive within the party, Abhishek Banerjee refuted such claims as "wrong and baseless." According to PTI, he remarked, "Media reports suggesting that I have decided to become inactive in the party are baseless. Yes, with the Lok Sabha elections approaching, I have responsibilities to campaign in my constituency, but that doesn't mean I won't contribute to the party if assigned any task. If my party supremo Mamata Banerjee gives me a responsibility, I will work towards it."


The recent controversy arose amidst exchanges between veteran and youth leaders over the future leadership of the party. Mamata Banerjee had advocated for due respect to senior members, rejecting the notion that old leaders should retire from active politics. Abhishek Banerjee, while supporting a retirement age in politics, stated, "It is quite natural for a person to lose work efficiency with advancing age."


Emphasising the party's unity under Mamata Banerjee's leadership, Banerjee affirmed, "Under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee, all the senior and junior leaders are standing firm. If I am given any role, I will take it."


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TMC Divided On Abhishek Banerjee's Proposal For Maximum Age Limit


The ongoing controversy echoes a similar internal struggle within the TMC two years ago. In January 2022, amidst rumors of an alleged power struggle, Mamata Banerjee dissolved all national office-bearer committees, including the post of national general secretary held by Abhishek Banerjee. A new committee was subsequently formed, and Abhishek Banerjee was reinstated as the party's national general secretary.


Party spokesperson Kunal Ghosh, close to Abhishek Banerjee, clarified last month that there was no conflict between the veterans and the Young Turks. However, he also asserted that the old guards needed to know where to draw the line and step aside for the next generation of leaders to take over, PTI reported.


The party appears to be divided on the issue, with senior leaders showing reluctance towards the maximum age limit theory proposed by Abhishek Banerjee, while the youth brigade yearns for more space in the party.


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