NEW DELHI: Trinamool Congress MP Kalyan Banerjee on Tuesday launched a fierce attack on the rebel faction led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, describing its members as “desperate” and accusing them of betraying party supremo Mamata Banerjee. He also targeted the BJP, alleging that it was attempting to weaken the Mamata Banerjee-led party.Addressing a presser, Kalyan Banerjee asserted that the rebel camp lacks the numbers needed to comfortably overcome the provisions of the anti-defection law. He further branded the dissidents as “gaddar” and accused them of being “desperate for power.”His remarks came after rebel TMC leader Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar delivered a defiant response to the party leadership.“Mera sar katega lekin jhukega nahi… Maine bohot seh liya… I did not come here after Mamata Banerjee became chief minister in 2011; I have been fighting here for 40 years. And as I said, the words of such people have absolutely no effect on me.”She also sought to frame the rebellion as a larger cause beyond party politics.“We will find out what happens later. For now, isn’t it enough that we want to work for Bengal, for the country, and to keep India secure? This is a crucial issue. The issue of the nation is paramount to us.”The exchange marks the latest escalation in the growing rift within the Trinamool Congress, with both camps hardening their positions amid an intensifying political battle.
