Mamata Banerjee slams ‘traitors', tells TMC dissidents to 'stay with party or join BJP'

KOLKATA: Former West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday targeted dissident Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, asking them to either remain with the party or openly join the BJP instead of "staying in the middle of the river".In a video message, Banerjee accused rebel TMC MLAs and MPs of acting at the BJP's behest and alleged that their "betrayal" had encouraged the saffron party to intensify attacks on TMC workers, news agency PTI reported.Her remarks came on a day when BJP and TMC youth wing workers clashed in Kolkata during a protest march over the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl in Baruipur. Police resorted to a baton charge to bring the situation under control.

The rally, organised by the Mamata Banerjee-led TMC youth wing after receiving permission from the Calcutta high court, was repeatedly obstructed by BJP workers. They raised "thief" slogans and attempted to form human barricades along Hazra Road."Those who are playing games should make up their minds. Either stay with the Trinamool Congress and work with us, or directly join the BJP. Don't remain in the middle of the river; otherwise, you will lose both ends," she said.

Banerjee further alleged that the "traitors" had become associates of the BJP.Without naming anyone, she referred to leaders opposing her leadership and asked them to stop misleading party workers.She urged party workers not to be influenced by "traitors" and reminded them of the sacrifices made by grassroots workers who had faced violence while working for the party.Banerjee also claimed that despite court permission for the party's programmes, police had cancelled permissions several times, raising questions over compliance with judicial orders.Banerjee has been facing the biggest crisis in the party's 28-year history after losing power in West Bengal and witnessing a mass exodus of MPs, MLAs and senior leaders to the rebel camp led by leader of the opposition Ritabrata Banerjee.(With agency inputs)