Remember, I Am Still Alive: Mamata slams rebel TMC leaders, dares them to directly join BJP

Kolkata: West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee on Saturday launched a strong attack on the party’s rebel faction, accusing its leaders of betraying the party and acting at the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) behest. She also announced that she would personally take charge of the TMC’s West Bengal unit following the resignation of state president Chandrima Bhattacharya.

Addressing party workers, Banerjee questioned how leaders who had contested the 2026 Assembly elections on TMC tickets could turn against the party within months.

“I signed your nomination papers and gave you the party symbol. How did you become traitors within two months? There has to be a limit,” she said.

‘Go join BJP directly’

Stepping up her attack, Banerjee alleged that the rebel leaders were working according to the BJP’s agenda and challenged them to join the saffron party openly.

“Those traitors are acting according to the BJP’s wishes. If they support the BJP, they should join it directly. TMC’s ideology is anti-BJP,” she said.

In a defiant message to her political opponents, Banerjee declared, “Remember, I am still alive,” adding that neither she nor her party would surrender before the BJP despite mounting political pressure.

Respond to party crisis

The TMC chief’s remarks came amid a major crisis within the party following the rebellion led by a section of MLAs and the resignation of Chandrima Bhattacharya as the West Bengal unit president.

Banerjee confirmed that Bhattacharya had informed her in advance about stepping down because of her son’s decision to join the anti-TMC faction. She clarified that while it was Bhattacharya’s personal decision, she would never align with the rebel camp.

Banerjee also announced that the party office operating from her residence would now function as the principal office of the TMC.

Focus on grassroots workers

Calling for unity, Banerjee thanked party members who remained loyal during the political turmoil and said the organization would now focus on strengthening its grassroots network.

“I don’t need leaders now. I need workers who will stay with the party. I have no anger against anyone, but I will continue to fight,” she said. She also appointed senior leaders Madan Mitra and Kunal Ghosh as the party’s general secretaries to strengthen the organization.