Mamata Banerjee Reacts To Koel Mallick's Rajya Sabha Exit, Says 'Those Under Pressure, Leave Before July 21'
Amid growing infighting in the Trinamool Congress, party chief Mamata Banerjee told dissatisfied leaders to quit before the July 21 Martyrs' Day rally if they were "under pressure." Her remarks came after actress-turned-politician Koel Mallick resigned as a TMC Rajya Sabha MP following a meeting with C.P. Radhakrishnan.
Amid an intensifying internal rift within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), party chief Mamata Banerjee issued a stark ultimatum to disgruntled lawmakers, telling those "under pressure" to leave the party before the upcoming July 21 Martyrs' Day (Shaheed Diwas) rally. The statement follows the high-profile resignation of actress-turned-politician Koel Mallick, who stepped down as a TMC Rajya Sabha Member of Parliament after meeting with Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C.P. Radhakrishnan.
A Direct Challenge to Dissidents
Addressing the party rank and file, Banerjee acknowledged Mallick's exit, stating she had received prior notification via email regarding the meeting with the Vice President. "I saw one MP. I respect her," Banerjee said. "She had informed earlier through email. Today she met a BJP leader." (Note: As Vice President, Radhakrishnan serves as the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, though he is historically affiliated with the BJP). Koel Mallick Quits Rajya Sabha, Adding to Growing Political Troubles for Mamata Banerjee's TMC.
Rather than attempting to persuade wavering members to stay, the TMC supremo gave a clear deadline for anyone considering a departure from the party. "Those who are under pressure, please take whatsoever decision you want and go wherever you want to before 21st July Shaheed Diwas," she added.
Deepening Internal Friction
Mallick's exit marks a critical juncture for the TMC, which is currently navigating a wave of high-profile defections following recent political setbacks in the state. She is the fourth TMC Rajya Sabha MP to resign in recent months, following the departures of Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Sushmita Dev, and Prakash Chik Baraik, who subsequently joined the BJP.
The resignation also closely follows the departure of long-time Banerjee aide Madan Mitra, who recently defected to a rebel TMC faction. Banerjee has alleged that central investigative agencies are being leveraged by political opponents to pressure TMC leaders into switching allegiances. She maintained that those leaving the party are doing so out of fear rather than ideological shifts. 'Those Who Want to Leave, Please Do': Mamata Banerjee's Defiant Message to TMC Rebels (Watch).
'Go Wherever You Want'
The Significance of July 21
The July 21 deadline carries deep political weight in West Bengal. Known as Shaheed Diwas, the annual rally commemorates the 13 Youth Congress activists who were killed in police firing during a 1993 protest led by Banerjee.
The anniversary has historically served as the TMC’s flagship event to demonstrate organizational strength. However, this year's preparations face notable friction, with rival political factions planning separate observances and legal limitations capping crowds at alternative venues due to public order concerns.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jul 16, 2026 05:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).