TMC Veterans and Young Turks clash in verbal sparring over age and future roles

In the ongoing internal dynamics of the Trinamool Congress (TMC), veteran leader Sougata Roy emphasized that age is not a barrier within the party, asserting that decisions on roles are ultimately in the hands of party supremo Mamata Banerjee. This follows a debate sparked by TMC colleague Kunal Ghosh, who questioned whether the absence of an age restriction means veterans would continue in the party indefinitely.

Roy highlighted Mamata Banerjee’s pivotal role in determining election candidates and party positions, emphasizing that despite Abhishek Banerjee’s popularity, Mamata remains the driving force securing votes for the party.

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Drawing a distinction with the BJP, Roy noted that the TMC doesn’t impose an age limit for leaders in electoral politics after 75, dismissing the idea of introducing such a restriction as “absurd.” He also pointed out the absence of Abhishek’s picture on the main stage at a recent TMC convention, asserting Mamata’s central presence.

In response to Ghosh’s call for prioritizing the younger generation, Roy contended that Mamata Banerjee has already provided ample opportunities for the next generation within the party, emphasizing Mamata’s authority in decision-making. Ghosh, associated with Abhishek Banerjee, expressed concerns about seniors holding positions indefinitely, hindering opportunities for youth leaders.

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Amidst the internal debate, veteran MLA Madan Mitra proposed senior members contribute through an advisory panel. Ghosh clarified that there is no conflict between the old and the new, emphasizing the indispensability of both Mamata and Abhishek Banerjee.

This controversy echoes a two-year-old struggle within the TMC, leading to the dissolution of national office-bearer committees and subsequent reinstatement of Abhishek Banerjee as the party’s national general secretary. Abhishek has since gained prominence, becoming a de facto number two in the state’s ruling dispensation.