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Rajanya Halder and Prantik Chakraborty addressed the prevalence of a ‘dadagiri culture’ within the TMCP
Suspended TMCP leaders Rajanya Halder and Prantik Chakraborty have spoken exclusively with News18, making serious charges that paint a grim picture of the student wing’s internal dynamics. Pic/News18
Allegations of a pervasive “dadagiri”, or bullying and dominance, culture within the Trinamool Congress’s student wing, the TMCP, have come to light following the alleged gang rape incident at South Calcutta Law College. The primary accused, Manojit Mishra, was reportedly a former Trinamool Chhatra Parishad leader, sparking further concerns about the environment within the student organisation. In the aftermath, suspended TMCP leaders Rajanya Halder and Prantik Chakraborty have spoken exclusively with News18, making serious charges that paint a grim picture of the student wing’s internal dynamics.
Rajanya Halder, addressing the prevalence of a “dadagiri culture” within the TMCP, unequivocally stated, “Yes, there are many like Manojit Mishra in the organisation. This culture of intimidation and dominance exists—and it needs to end.” She emphasised the necessity of democratic elections within students’ unions as the only effective way to dismantle this entrenched culture. Halder also stressed the importance of speaking out against horrific crimes like rape, aligning her views with TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee’s stance that rapists should face severe consequences.
Rajanya further alleged a pattern of misogyny directed towards women in leadership roles within the student wing. She recounted a personal ordeal from 2024 where some TMC student leaders, unable to tolerate her success, created and circulated an AI-generated nude image of her. This led to brutal online trolling, slut-shaming, and harassment, despite her attempts to clarify on Facebook.
Halder clarified that her suspension was not related to her speaking out on this issue but rather due to objections the party had to a film she made. She stated that the harassment against her continues even now for her outspokenness. She also pointed out that this problem is not isolated, referencing the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder case and continuous character assassination she has faced over the past 11 months for condemning such events on college campuses.
When asked why she didn’t file a police complaint in 2024, Rajanya explained that she didn’t want to damage the party’s image by naming influential leaders within the TMC, choosing instead to approach the party leadership, who assured her that action would be taken.
Prantik, a former vice president of the TMCP, corroborated Rajanya’s concerns, asserting that the issue extends beyond just one AI-generated image and reflects a broader problem in contemporary student politics. While he did not personally see the image, he confirmed being informed about it and conveying the information to senior party leadership, though not directly to Mamata Banerjee or Abhishek Banerjee. He noted that his concerns were “taken lightly”.
Prantik affirmed Manojit Mishra’s undeniable association with the TMCP, calling it an “open secret” that he was known as a “dada”. Prantik recalled an incident in 2022 where he barred Mishra from campus, leading to a death threat, which he reported to higher authorities without any subsequent action.
Prantik maintained that Rajanya is being targeted simply for protesting and is receiving abusive phone calls, highlighting that the issue is larger than one individual. He stressed the need for accountability from local leadership responsible for these areas, expressing uncertainty about whether concrete action will follow the party’s assurances.
In response to Rajanya’s statements, TMC minister and Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim dismissively said, “Who is she? Who? Who are these people? If someone accused you of something, would you respond to them?”
Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar…Read More
Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar… Read More
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