TMC chief Mamata Banerjee’s decision to replace senior leader Kakli Ghosh Dastidar with MP Kalyan Banerjee as the Chief Whip of the Lok Sabha has triggered speculations that all is not well within the regional party, which tasted a humiliating defeat in the just-concluded elections.
The decision was announced by Mamata Banerjee at a meeting of party MPs on Thursday. Kalyan Banerjee’s ascent also hints at how desperate the party is in the current political situation, as the leader is known for taking an aggressive role in court battles and public confrontations. Kalyan resigned from the post due to a public dispute with Krishnanagar MP Mahua Moitra.
However, Dastidar has not taken the replacement well. In a post on X, she expressed her disappointment, calling the move an “award' for four decades of loyalty. “Known since 76, started walking since 84. Today I am rewarded for 4 decades of loyalty.” Her posts, many view, as a recollection of the close bond she shared with Mamata. In 1976, when Mamata was the leader of the student council, Kakli was also associated with the student organisation of the Congress. She was involved in student politics at Calcutta Medical College, while Mamata was at Yogmaya Devi College. It was during that time that Mamata met Kakli.
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However, political observers in the party saw the move as more than a routine reshuffle, and the messaging was clear. While a section of the party believes this change is due to a post by Kakli's son on social media after the election results were announced, where he was seen praising CPIM state secretary Mohammad Salim.
The move has also triggered an uproar in the party, with many senior leaders expressing discomfort about the decision. Many doubt whether it is entirely a political decision, as BJP candidates did well in the constituencies of both Kalyan and Kakoli. Through the return of Kalyan to the Lok Sabha, the Trinamool has indicated that it will maintain its aggressiveness in the lower house.
