Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief and former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday rejected criticism amid an internal party revolt, saying attempts to “age-shame” her would not silence her and vowing to continue fighting for the public, ANI reported.
In a video message, Banerjee asked people not to shame anyone over age and alleged that supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) had even wished for her death after the election results. “Do not try to age-shame anyone. On the day of the election result, lumpens of the BJP wished me death by heart attack. I will stay alive till I see your end,” she said.
Banerjee said she remained committed to defending the interests of ordinary citizens and party workers, and noted that the TMC continued to gain new members. “I will fight for the common people and the workers. I have enough workers; many new people are also joining us,” she said.
Her comments came as the TMC faces a spate of resignations and dissent following its defeat in the recent West Bengal Assembly elections.
Despite the setbacks, Banerjee expressed confidence in rebuilding the party, drawing a parallel with her revival of the TMC in 2006. “Today we have 18 MPs. Yes, some are being threatened. Even today, one man is left. He told me yesterday that his family is being threatened. I will say — those who want to leave, please do. If I can restart (the party) in 2006, I can do it in 2026,” she said in the video.
She also questioned the legitimacy of the assembly poll outcome, asserting, “We were made to lose. Someday it will be proven.”
Banerjee accused the police of acting in favour of the BJP, saying they were intimidating TMC leaders. “I respect the police, but they are acting as BJP workers and threatening our leaders. Either join the BJP or the other camp; if not, they are being sent to jail,” she alleged.
The TMC chief maintained that she had not compromised on her principles amid the turmoil. “If I had done setting we would not have faced this, but I don’t sell my conscience,” she said.
The remarks follow the resignation of Kamarhati MLA and former state minister Madan Mitra, who cited his inability to work effectively within the party and accused the leadership of prioritising the elevation of general secretary Abhishek Banerjee over organisational strengthening. Mitra said his repeated concerns were ignored by party leaders.
