Mamata Banerjee Asserts TMC Parliamentary Stance Will Be Decided by Party Leadership
“No Individual Decisions in Parliament,” Declares TMC Chairperson
In a decisive announcement, Trinamool Congress (TMC) chairperson Mamata Banerjee declared that the party’s parliamentary stance will not be determined by any individual but by the collective leadership of the TMC Parliamentary team. Speaking on Thursday after returning from Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren’s swearing-in ceremony, Mamata made it clear that her role as the chairperson of the TMC Parliamentary team remains pivotal in such decisions.
Mamata identified five key members—Lok Sabha leader Sudip Bandyopadhyay, chief whip Kalyan Bandyopadhyay, Rajya Sabha leader Derek O’Brien, deputy leader Sagarika Ghosh, and chief whip Nadimul Haque—who will collectively decide the party’s position on various issues. She emphasized, “They will decide first, and then inform me for advice.”
Backdrop to Mamata’s Announcement
The statement comes amid speculation following a recent meeting chaired by Abhishek Banerjee, TMC’s national general secretary, with party MPs in Delhi. During that meeting, Abhishek reportedly instructed MPs to avoid individual initiatives such as bringing motions in Parliament without party approval. He also highlighted key issues like financial neglect of West Bengal by the Centre, inflation, farmers’ subsidies, and the Manipur violence that MPs should focus on during the Winter Session.
Mamata’s announcement was seen as a response to this meeting, signaling that the authority to decide parliamentary strategies rests with the designated leaders, not individuals.
Parliamentary Dynamics and TMC’s Strategic Shift
TMC’s emphasis on collective decision-making comes at a time when Parliament is disrupted daily over the Adani controversy. While the INDIA alliance, of which TMC is a part, continues to protest aggressively, Mamata hinted at a nuanced strategy. TMC wants Parliament to function and focus on issues directly relevant to Bengal, such as financial dues from the Centre.
This strategic divergence also reflects in TMC’s cautious coordination with Congress within the INDIA alliance. The party appears keen to maintain a “strategic distance” while raising Bengal-specific issues in Parliament.
Internal Reactions and Speculations
Mamata’s explicit reinforcement of party guidelines has stirred discussions within TMC. Some view it as a direct message to Abhishek Banerjee, while others believe it aligns with his directive for a unified approach. The TMC supremo’s reiteration of her authority and reliance on the designated Parliamentary team underscores her control over the party’s strategic direction.
As TMC navigates the complexities of the Winter Session, Mamata’s emphasis on disciplined, collective action highlights the party’s focus on raising Bengal’s issues while avoiding unnecessary disruptions in Parliament.