Kolkata (West Bengal) [India], July 19 (ANI): West Bengal Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee on Saturday criticised Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee over his recent remarks, alleging contradictions in his statements and saying he should resign from the party leadership before making such comments.
Speaking to ANI, Ritabrata Banerjee questioned the consistency of the TMC leader’s position. The LoP also demanded that Abhishek Banerjee step down from party posts, citing the TMC’s performance in recent elections.
“He said this today. What did he say yesterday? He said ‘looters’ fled out of fear of the ED and CBI, and the next day he is asking those very same looters to come back. This is a contradiction… He should have resigned on May 4th, taking responsibility for the election results,” he said.
He alleged that Abhishek Banerjee had avoided appearing to provide a voice sample due to apprehension of public backlash.
“He couldn’t even go to provide a voice sample due to the fear of an egg being thrown. Such a prominent leader, yet there is no limit to his arrogance. He should resign from the party leadership and then engage in such rhetoric.” Banerjee said.
Targeting Abhishek Banerjee’s reference to 2031, Ritabrata Banerjee said the focus should be on the 2029 elections first.
“2031 is a long way off; there is 2029 first. He will have to contest the Lok Sabha elections then, and the people have already seen the reality… before talking about winning, one should first stand for election and manage to save his security deposit,” he said.
Commenting on the demolition issue referred to by Abhishek Banerjee, Ritabrata Banerjee said that if there was a legal grievance, it should be addressed through the courts.
“If an authority is demolishing something of yours, claiming it is illegal when it isn’t, then go ahead and seek redress in court,” he said.
Earlier on Saturday, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee challenged party defectors to return to the camp of party supremo Mamata Banerjee, promising that he would resign from his post within an hour if they did so.
Abhishek Banerjee launched a scathing attack on party defectors, challenging them to return to the party fold while alleging that they had made a “deal” with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Speaking to reporters here, Banerjee hit back at critics attempting to blame him for the party’s previous electoral setbacks, pointing out the TMC’s resounding success in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, where the party secured 29 seats in West Bengal.”This is the BJP’s script. You have to speak their language to save yourself from the police. If you don’t abuse Abhishek Banerjee, the police won’t spare you. You only remain safe if you hurl abuses at me,” Banerjee said.
Taking a swipe at leaders who jumped ship following the elections, the TMC leader questioned their timing. “Those who are leaving after the 4th (counting day), why didn’t they leave before? I was right here. The party won the 2024 elections and secured 29 seats. If Abhishek Banerjee is responsible for the losses, then Abhishek Banerjee must also be credited for the victory in 2024. Will you accept that?” he added.
“If anyone has a problem with me, I challenge them. Around 60 MLAs and 20 MPs have left. I give you an open challenge–you return to Mamata Banerjee. Forget 24 hours, I will tender my resignation within a single hour. You say that if Abhishek Banerjee leaves, you all will return. I say you come back at 3 PM, and I will resign by 4 PM,” Banerjee declared.
“I also want to say something to those who leave their party the moment they receive a notice from the ED, CBI or any investigating agency. If you have done nothing wrong, then face the investigation. I have been summoned repeatedly by the CID and other agencies. There are so many FIRs against me that I have even asked the High Court to direct the DGP to provide me with the complete list. I have never run away. For us, protection from the ED or the CBI is not important. The only protection that matters is the trust and support of the people. If I ever bow before anyone, I will bow only before the people in a democracy, never before the powerful individuals sitting in Delhi. That is the principle on which I stand”, he said. (ANI)
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