KOLKATA: Amid an escalating political crisis within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), party supremo Mamata Banerjee issued a defiant video message aimed at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), declaring, “To silence me, you will have to kill me.” The statement comes at a time when the party is grappling with internal rebellion, defections, and a battle over its organisational control.
The strong message was released shortly after several former TMC leaders joined the BJP and the political confrontation between the Mamata Banerjee-led camp and the rebel faction intensified. In her address, Mamata accused the BJP of attempting to weaken her party through intimidation and political pressure, while asserting that she would continue her fight regardless of the challenges.
Mamata Strikes a Defiant Tone
In the video message, Mamata Banerjee rejected allegations that her political influence was fading and insisted that she would not bow before political opponents.
She said that no amount of pressure or threats would stop her from raising her voice for the people of West Bengal. According to her, political battles should be fought democratically rather than through intimidation or attempts to silence opposition leaders.
Her remarks were seen as a direct response to the BJP and the growing rebellion within the TMC.
TMC Faces One of Its Biggest Internal Challenges
The Trinamool Congress is currently witnessing one of the most serious crises in its history. Several senior leaders have resigned, while a number of former MPs and MLAs have either joined the BJP or aligned themselves with the rebel faction.
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The crisis deepened after former Rajya Sabha MPs Sushmita Dev, Sukhendu Sekhar Ray and Prakash Chik Baraik formally joined the BJP, delivering another setback to Mamata Banerjee’s leadership.
Political observers believe these defections have intensified uncertainty over the future direction of the party.
Battle Over Party Control Continues
The dispute is no longer limited to resignations. Rival factions are also locked in legal and organisational battles over the control of the Trinamool Congress.
The Election Commission has already begun proceedings to determine which faction represents the official TMC, while multiple legal disputes involving party offices, finances and organisational authority remain underway.
The internal conflict has transformed into a wider political contest that could shape West Bengal’s opposition politics in the coming months.
Attack on BJP
Without naming specific leaders, Mamata accused the BJP of encouraging defections and attempting to break her party from within.
She claimed that political opponents were trying to create fear among TMC workers but insisted that genuine party supporters would remain united.
Her message also sought to reassure party workers that the organisation would survive despite the ongoing turmoil.
Appeal to Party Workers
Mamata urged TMC workers not to lose confidence and called upon them to remain united during what she described as a difficult phase.
She emphasised that political parties become stronger through committed grassroots workers rather than individual leaders. The veteran leader maintained that loyalty to the party’s ideals was more important than political positions.
The message appeared aimed at preventing further defections while boosting the morale of party cadres.
Political Tensions Rise in Bengal
The latest statement comes amid heightened political tensions across West Bengal.
Recent clashes between the BJP and TMC, legal disputes over party affairs and continuing allegations from both sides have kept the state’s political atmosphere charged. Police have also registered cases following confrontations between supporters of the rival parties.
Political analysts believe the coming weeks will be crucial as both camps prepare for fresh organisational and legal battles.
What’s Next for the TMC?
Despite mounting challenges, Mamata Banerjee has made it clear that she has no intention of stepping back from active politics.
Her latest message signals that she intends to continue leading the fight against both the BJP and the rebel faction within the TMC. At the same time, the party faces an uphill task in containing internal dissent and preventing further defections.
With legal proceedings, organisational disputes and political realignments continuing simultaneously, West Bengal’s political landscape remains highly volatile.
Mamata’s declaration that she can only be silenced through death underscores her determination to remain at the centre of the political battle, even as the Trinamool Congress navigates one of the most turbulent periods in its history.
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