The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is in a state of disarray, with its leaders and legislators openly criticizing the party's leadership and internal dynamics. This sudden shift in tone is a stark contrast to their previous public support for the party, and it raises questions about the underlying issues within the TMC. The party's humiliating defeat at the hands of the BJP in the Assembly elections has exposed deep-seated problems that have been simmering beneath the surface for some time.
One of the key issues highlighted by the party's insiders is factionalism. Niamot Sheikh, a TMC MLA, bravely speaks out against the party's internal divisions, which he believes are the primary reason for their defeat. He points out the presence of numerous factions within the party, particularly in Murshidabad, and how these divisions weakened their position. Sheikh's words carry weight, as he has firsthand experience of the party's internal politics, having attended the TMC Legislature Party meeting at Mamata Banerjee's residence.
The emphasis on technology, particularly social media campaigns, is another aspect that has been criticized. Sheikh suggests that the party leadership's focus on technology undermined the human factor, which is a critical aspect of any political organization. This raises the question of whether the TMC's reliance on technology was a strategic mistake or a result of their leaders' disconnect with the grassroots.
The suspension of Humayun Kabir, a TMC leader who attempted to build a Babri-like mosque in Murshidabad, is also under scrutiny. Kabir's suspension, just before the elections, may have inadvertently contributed to the party's defeat, as it alienated a significant portion of the Muslim vote. This incident highlights the TMC's struggle to balance its commitment to religious freedom with the need to maintain internal unity.
The party's decision to not accept the defeat and resign as the chief minister has also been met with criticism. Arunabha Sen, a four-time MLA, openly expresses his disagreement with Mamata's stance, suggesting that accepting defeat and starting the rebuilding process is essential. Sen's perspective is that of an insignificant MLA, but his words carry weight, as he has faith in the people's vote and believes in the party's ability to recover.
The TMC's internal divisions and the role of the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls are also being examined. Abdur Rahim Boxi, a TMC MLA, points out the fear-inducing impact of the SIR and the presence of Central forces, which may have contributed to the party's debacle in Malda. This raises the question of whether the TMC's defeat was a result of external factors or internal weaknesses.
The party's response to its defeat has been swift, with show-cause notices issued to five spokespersons for allegedly making anti-party comments. This action has sparked further debate, with some questioning the party's commitment to free speech and others arguing that it is a necessary step to maintain discipline. The notices to Riju Dutta, Krishnendu Chowdhury, Kohinoor Majumdar, Papiya Ghosh, and Kartik Ghosh have highlighted the ongoing tensions within the party leadership.
The TMC's internal struggles are further complicated by the criticism from its own leaders, such as Dev, the actor-politician, and Manoj Tiwary, the former cricketer. Dev's refusal to 'speak lies' about the Ghatal masterplan and Tiwary's accusation of being sidelined in the government are significant statements that reflect the party's internal divisions and the challenges faced by its leaders.
In conclusion, the Trinamool Congress is at a critical juncture, with its leaders and legislators openly questioning the party's leadership and internal dynamics. The defeat in the Assembly elections has exposed deep-seated problems, including factionalism, the role of technology, and the party's struggle to balance religious freedom with internal unity. As the TMC navigates this challenging period, it must address these issues head-on and find a way to rebuild and recover. The party's ability to do so will be a test of its resilience and its commitment to its core principles.
