Mamata Banerjee Defends Abhishek Banerjee, Says TMC Rebels Are Using Him as an 'Excuse' (Watch Video)

In a fierce defense of her nephew and Trinamool Congress (TMC) National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, party supremo Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday hit out at rebel leaders who have recently defected from the party. Addressing party workers, she asserted that those criticizing Abhishek are merely using him as an "excuse" to cover up their own compromises with political opponents.

The remarks come amid a widening rift within the TMC, which has seen a string of high-profile defections and public outbursts from rebel legislators blaming Abhishek Banerjee's leadership style for their departure. Apologizing to the public "on behalf of the traitors," Mamata Banerjee made it clear that her family has refused to yield to external political pressure or central investigative agencies. 'The Party Is Sinking': Madan Mitra Quits TMC, Joins Rebel Camp After Attack on Abhishek Banerjee.

"They [referring to rebel leaders] should learn from Abhishek Banerjee," the TMC chief said during her address. "Had they managed things better, perhaps they too could have obtained relief. Those who are now claiming that Abhishek Banerjee is making excuses should remember that he is holding up a mirror to them."

Mamata Banerjee argued that the attacks on Abhishek are driven by political fear. "Their criticism is merely an excuse to target him," she continued. "They know Abhishek has done no wrong. That is precisely why they are afraid that he will remain in politics for the next 50 years."

Background of the Crisis

The ruling Trinamool Congress has been navigating a major internal crisis following allegations of authoritarianism, high-handedness, and tactical disagreements between the party's old guard and the younger faction led by Abhishek. Multiple rebel leaders who recently quit or turned against the party have openly accused Abhishek of fostering a culture of intimidation and running the party with an iron fist. ‘TMC is a Single, Indivisisible Political Party’: Abhishek Banerjee Urges Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to Reject Rebel Faction.

‘They Are Afraid He Will Stay in Politics for 50 Years’

In response, Mamata Banerjee accused the defecting leaders of lacking political conviction, claiming they chose to cross over to the opposition camp out of fear of central police and investigative agencies. She likened the rival camp to a "washing machine" designed to clean the record of corrupt politicians who compromise their conscience.

Despite the recent exodus, the West Bengal Chief Minister remained defiant, stating that she is fully prepared to rebuild the organization from the ground up. Meanwhile, Abhishek Banerjee has thrown down a challenge of his own to the defectors, daring the rebel MPs to resign from their parliamentary seats, contest fresh elections on opposition tickets, and let the public decide their fate.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 15, 2026 06:18 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).