'Traitors Won't Return to TMC': Mamata's Sharp Message to Rebel Leaders
At the Martyrs' Day rally, Mamata Banerjee attacked rebel TMC leaders, alleged BJP workers vandalised the venue, and called for opposition unity in West Bengal.
By Pranjal Gupta
New Delhi, July 21: West Bengal former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday once again challenged the rebel leaders of Trinamool Congress, who left her party after an embarrassing defeat at the 2026 Assembly Election this year. She said, "I challenge 'traitors' to join BJP, contest elections: Mamata Banerjee takes dig at rebel TMC faction."
Mamata's remarks came after the stage set for Martyrs' Day rally in Kolkata was vandalised. She accused that "BJP goons attacked our stage for Martyrs' Day rally to prevent us from holding programme: Mamata Banerjee in Kolkata".
Addressing the annual July 21 Martyrs' Day rally organised by the Kalighat faction of the TMC near Birla Planetarium here, Banerjee said the fight against the BJP was bigger than individual or political egos.
"I want everyone to unite under the banner of the INDIA alliance in Bengal to fight the BJP. I don't have any ego. I urge others also to keep aside their differences and fight together," the former West Bengal chief minister said.
"I thank martyrs' families for attending our event; they stood by TMC despite 'temptations,' said Banerjee. She also drew the line for the rebel camp of her party, saying, "Traitors won't be allowed to return to TMC".
High Court Allows Protection
Meanwhile, the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday directed the Kolkata Police to ensure protection of the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC faction for holding its Martyrs' Day rally here, while hearing its allegation of vandalisation of the programme stage.
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya directed the Joint Commissioner (Headquarters) to file a report on July 31 when the matter will be heard again.
The court also directed that the stage and other meeting materials must be removed by 9 pm on Tuesday and that the police will provide security and assistance for dismantling the stage and removing the materials.
The Mamata Banerjee-led TMC faction moved the High Court on Tuesday, stating that they made an urgent application before Acting Chief Justice Tapabrata Chakraborty at midnight alleging vandalism at their July 21 Martyrs' Day rally venue in front of Birla Planetarium here.
(With Inputs from PTI)
