Kalyan Banerjee Softens Stand, Calls Abhishek ‘Like a Son’
Trinamool MP strikes conciliatory tone days after ultimatum to Mamata Banerjee
- Kalyan Banerjee describes Abhishek Banerjee as “like a son”
- Remarks come days after ultimatum to Mamata Banerjee over party leadership
- Abhishek responds by saying he holds no grudge against senior MP
- Reconciliation signals attempt to tackle growing challenges within TMC
GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 13th June: In a significant softening of his stance, Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee on Saturday described party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee as “like a son” and called for unity amid mounting challenges facing the party.
The conciliatory remarks come just days after Kalyan Banerjee publicly urged former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee to choose between him and her nephew Abhishek Banerjee for the survival of the Trinamool Congress.
Addressing reporters, the senior MP said, “He (Abhishek Banerjee) said yesterday whatever he had to say. He is like a son to me. It’s a father’s duty to forgive all mistakes of his son. Whatever the situation is now, we have to fight together.”
Kalyan Banerjee also emphasized the need for unity within the party, claiming that democracy was under threat in West Bengal and across the country.
The change in tone follows two key developments. First, Abhishek Banerjee refrained from responding aggressively to the criticism and instead adopted a conciliatory approach. Second, the West Bengal Criminal Investigation Department (CID) conducted searches at Abhishek Banerjee’s residence in connection with an alleged signature forgery case linked to claims over the position of Leader of the Opposition.
Responding to questions about Kalyan Banerjee’s earlier ultimatum, Abhishek Banerjee had said he harboured no resentment towards the senior leader.
“Kalyan Banerjee can speak against me. He has seen me from the beginning of my life. We will discuss everything within the party. I have no grudge against him,” Abhishek said.
Describing Kalyan Banerjee as an elder, he added that the veteran MP had every right to express his views and that he would not make any adverse comments against him.
The dispute between the two leaders reportedly began after Abhishek Banerjee appointed a new lawyer in the alleged signature forgery case. Kalyan Banerjee, who had previously represented him, expressed displeasure over the decision and accused him of sidelining him without consultation.
Political observers see the exchange of conciliatory statements as an effort to present a united front at a time when the Trinamool Congress is grappling with internal unrest.
The party has witnessed a series of setbacks in recent weeks, including the resignation of several MPs following electoral losses. Reports also suggest that a section of Trinamool legislators has begun asserting itself as the “real” Trinamool Congress while questioning Mamata Banerjee’s leadership.
