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The move comes at a time when the party is battling both external political challenges and internal factionalism
Abhishek Banerjee’s elevation as TMC’s Lok Sabha leader is not just a change in designation—it’s a calculated political step that cements his growing stature within the party and reflects Mamata Banerjee’s trust in his ability to manage both organisation and legislation with discipline, efficiency, and authority. File image/PTI
In a significant development within the Trinamool Congress, party supremo and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee has officially declared that Abhishek Banerjee will now serve as the leader of the TMC’s Lok Sabha unit. The announcement came during a closed-door meeting held with party MPs earlier this week.
This decision marks a major elevation for Abhishek Banerjee, who was appointed national general secretary of TMC in 2021 following the party’s emphatic assembly election victory. Since then, he has emerged as a central figure in the party’s organisational machinery, closely implementing strategies charted by Mamata Banerjee.
Why This Elevation Matters
Political observers and party insiders see this as more than a routine reshuffle—it’s a strategic consolidation of authority within the TMC, especially at a time when the party is battling both external political challenges and internal factionalism.
Abhishek’s appointment comes in the wake of recent infighting among Trinamool MPs, most notably a very public spat between Mahua Moitra and Kalyan Banerjee, which resulted in leaked WhatsApp conversations that exposed deep divisions within the parliamentary unit.
According to senior party functionaries, Abhishek’s leadership is expected to bring discipline, coordination, and unity to a team that has struggled with internal rifts and lapses in communication.
Leadership Vacuum and Lack of Coordination
Until now, Sudip Bandyopadhyay had been coordinating parliamentary affairs. However, questions were raised within the party about his consistency and leadership, with many pointing to his frequent absences from Lok Sabha. While Mamata Banerjee cited his health condition in her recent communication, insiders suggest that his disengagement had become a long-standing issue.
In his absence, Kalyan Banerjee had taken over coordination duties, but Mamata Banerjee recently expressed clear dissatisfaction with the lack of coordination and internal discipline within the Lok Sabha party. This led to the decision to hand over charge to Abhishek, signalling a new era in the TMC’s parliamentary functioning.
What Abhishek Brings to the Table
Having overseen the party’s organisational affairs for the past four years, Abhishek Banerjee enjoys both command and acceptance among MPs. Party insiders believe that under his leadership:
- Internal lobbies will dissolve, ensuring unified strategy and action.
- Chronic absenteeism from parliamentary sessions will be curbed.
- The long-standing issue of selective speaking opportunities will be addressed, giving all MPs equal space.
- Communication with the party’s top leadership will improve, avoiding confusion as seen in the recent Kirti Azad letter incident, where he independently wrote to the coal ministry requesting ED and CBI intervention.
A Trusted Crisis Manager
Abhishek is also being seen as a troubleshooter. Despite the party accepting Kalyan Banerjee’s resignation, a meeting between the two is scheduled for later this week, indicating Abhishek’s role in bridging gaps and maintaining unity within the ranks.
TMC seniors note that Abhishek handled the 2021 assembly election campaign under immense pressure, proving his resilience and leadership capabilities. His experience in navigating those high-stakes political moments is expected to serve the party well as it prepares for future challenges in Parliament and beyond.
Abhishek Banerjee’s elevation as TMC’s Lok Sabha leader is not just a change in designation—it’s a calculated political step that cements his growing stature within the party and reflects Mamata Banerjee’s trust in his ability to manage both organisation and legislation with discipline, efficiency, and authority.
This move not only empowers Abhishek but also signals a strategic tightening of internal controls ahead of crucial electoral battles in 2026.
Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East…Read More
Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and women’s issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting from East… Read More
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