Former West Bengal chief minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Friday launched a strong attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the party was systematically targeting TMC leaders and workers. In a video message shared on social media, Banerjee said she would not be intimidated and asserted that her political opponents would have to “kill” her if they wanted to silence her or dismantle the TMC.
The remarks came as the Trinamool Congress faces one of its most serious internal crises in recent years, with a section of legislators rebelling against the party leadership.
‘You will have to kill me to silence me’
Breaking her silence on the recent developments within the party, Banerjee alleged that the BJP had made repeated attempts to intimidate TMC leaders through political pressure and harassment.
“To silence me, you would have to kill me. You did not leave any effort undone,” she said in the video message.
The TMC chief also claimed that several senior party leaders had been subjected to attacks and harassment. Referring to party leaders Mahua Moitra, Abhishek Banerjee, and Kalyan Banerjee, she alleged that they had all been targeted. She further claimed that even her residence had come under attack.
Comments amid internal turmoil in TMC
Banerjee’s statement comes at a time when the Trinamool Congress is battling a significant internal rebellion.
A dissident faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee has claimed the support of around 60 MLAs. Separately, at least 20 rebel legislators have reportedly joined the Tripura-based National Congress Party of India (NCPI), adding to the political challenges facing the ruling party.
Alleges mistreatment of party workers
The former chief minister also alleged that several TMC leaders and workers arrested in different cases were being subjected to inhumane treatment while in custody.
She claimed that some party members were being forced to sleep on bare floors inside lock-ups, while others had allegedly been paraded with ropes tied around their waists and shackles on their legs. Banerjee further alleged that some detainees had their heads shaved or were subjected to other forms of humiliation.
Describing the alleged treatment as unacceptable, she said such actions were intended to intimidate political opponents.
Criticises government’s mid-day meal policy
Banerjee also criticised the BJP government in West Bengal over its reported decision to introduce vegetarian alternatives in place of eggs in mid-day meals at select government schools under a pilot project.
She alleged that the government was focusing on political vendetta instead of addressing issues affecting schoolchildren.
Claiming that many children were not receiving eggs as part of their mid-day meals, Banerjee said the state should prioritise nutrition and welfare over political considerations.
She also expressed concern over the condition of cooks and helpers associated with the mid-day meal scheme, saying they too were facing hardships.
Political battle intensifies
Banerjee maintained that despite political challenges and alleged attempts to weaken the Trinamool Congress, the party would continue its political fight.
Her remarks are expected to further sharpen the political confrontation between the TMC and the BJP as both parties prepare for the next phase of electoral and organisational battles in West Bengal.
