'He Has Paid Dues': Mahua Moitra Says Abhishek Banerjee Got LS Ticket In 2024 Due To Mamata Ties

Last Updated:June 11, 2026, 20:42 IST

Moitra said Abhishek Banerjee has proved himself through hard work, winning three consecutive Lok Sabha elections and strengthening the party organisation.

Trinamool Congress leader Mahua Moitra has come out in support of the party’s national general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee amid growing dissent within the party over his leadership and increasing influence.

Moitra said that Abhishek Banerjee received his first Lok Sabha ticket in 2014 because he is the nephew of TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee. However, she said he has since proved himself through hard work, winning three consecutive Lok Sabha elections and strengthening the party organisation.

“He is much younger than me. I have accepted him as a National General Secretary," Moitra told Hindustan Times.

Her remarks come at a time when a section of TMC MPs and MLAs has openly expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s functioning and Abhishek Banerjee’s growing role in decision-making.

Earlier on Thursday, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee launched a fresh attack on Abhishek, accusing him of arrogance and questioning his leadership abilities.

“If Didi gives Abhishek immense power and relies solely on him, leaving aside people like me and the party workers, then I will have to make a decision, and I will make that decision when the time comes," Kalyan Banerjee said.

Recalling his earlier criticism, he added, “In 2022, I said that Abhishek was arrogant and could not lead the party, but no one supported me. In fact, I spoke out against the I-PAC model."

The internal turmoil has intensified in recent days. Earlier this week, three TMC Rajya Sabha MPs — Sukhendu Sekhar Ray, Sushmita Dev and Prakash Chik Baraik — resigned from the Upper House, dealing a blow to the party leadership.

Meanwhile, expelled TMC MLA Ritajyot (Ritabrata) Banerjee claimed that the number of rebel MLAs supporting the dissident camp has risen to 64 from 58 and continues to grow.

The developments have fuelled speculation about a widening rift within the ruling party as it grapples with an unprecedented internal challenge.

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Saurabh VermaSenior Sub-editor

Saurabh Verma covers general, national and international day-to-day news for News18.com as a Chief Sub-editor. He keenly observes politics. You can follow him on Twitter --twitter.com/saurabhkverma19

News politics 'He Has Paid Dues': Mahua Moitra Says Abhishek Banerjee Got LS Ticket In 2024 Due To Mamata Ties

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