A section of TMC leaders “did not stand behind (West Bengal CM) Mamata Banerjee” after an incident at Oxford University where she faced protests from students, said youth TMC leader and in-charge of party IT-cell Debangshu Bhattacharya.
He also alleged that those who became MLAs or leaders “because” of Banerjee “did not even bother when she was heckled”. However, senior TMC leaders like Saugata Roy differed with Bhattacharya. Roy said, “Mamata Banerjee herself doesn’t want it.”
During her speech at Oxford, students questioned her on issues like the R G Kar rape and murder case, the Singur issue, and a recent incident at Jadavpur University where state education minister Bratya Basu’s convoy allegedly collided with a student during protests.
Some of the audience was seen to protest with placards and question her stance on communal issues. Banerjee said on the R G Kar issue, “Do you know that this case is pending? The responsibility of investigating this case is now in the hands of the Central government, the case is no longer in our hands.” She said, “Don’t disrespect your institution by insulting me. I have come here as a representative of the country. Don’t insult your country.”
After this incident, Bhattacharya, Kunal Ghosh and some other TMC leaders became vocal on social media, while Chandrima Bhattacharya, Shashi Panja and the party’s women wing came out with a rally.
Referring to those in the party who had not commented on the incident, Debangshu Bhattacharya said, “Why do you people maintain mum during war? Why during a fight did you fall asleep? Where did you vanish during a crisis?”
He further said, “For all issues, will you come to protest only when the parties or ministers have a say? Every time, you have to wait for (orders) from above? If the leader was humiliated, does that not cause irritation? Do you still have to wait for the instructions to come? Will the party get you away for a protest or a rally? Hundreds of followers who sit in the party offices, who can only post selfies or your drain inaugurating scenes, can at least tell them to post on Twitter or social media on such issues!”
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After his comment, Saugata Roy said, “I don’t think we should jump on the road after this incident. Mamata Banerjee herself doesn’t want to. Earlier, I also gave a statement on this and condemned it, but I don’t think this has even had any importance, what 10 SFI protestors did.”
Earlier, TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee had said, “I am not happy with our student front’s reaction. We grow with movements, but they (TMCP) never carry out movements.”
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