KOLKATA: Trinamool Congress supremo and former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee led a massive dharna in Kolkata on Tuesday, declaring a “fight or die” battle against alleged post-poll violence and attacks on TMC leaders and workers across the state.
Addressing supporters gathered at Rani Rashmoni Avenue, Banerjee alleged that there was a systematic effort to weaken the Trinamool Congress through intimidation, violence and political pressure. She claimed that TMC workers had been targeted in several parts of West Bengal following the recent Assembly election results and accused political opponents of trying to break the party.
The protest came amid rising political tensions in the state after reports of attacks on senior TMC leaders, including party national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. Banerjee alleged that opposition-backed groups were responsible for incidents involving TMC workers and elected representatives.
In a fiery speech, the TMC chief said her party would not be intimidated and would continue its struggle to protect democratic rights. She called upon party workers to remain united and resist attempts to undermine the organisation.
Banerjee also launched a sharp attack on the BJP, accusing it of using administrative machinery and political influence to destabilise the Trinamool Congress. She alleged that efforts were being made to lure away party leaders and create divisions within the organisation.
The veteran leader struck a defiant tone, stating that she was prepared to face any action against her. Referring to the ongoing political confrontation, she challenged her opponents to arrest her if they wished, asserting that she would continue her movement regardless of the consequences.
The dharna was organised in response to what TMC described as a series of attacks on its leaders and supporters after the state elections. The party has alleged that workers were assaulted, offices vandalised and political activities disrupted in several districts.
Banerjee further accused political rivals of attempting to engineer defections from the Trinamool Congress. She warned party members against aligning with rival camps and said the organisation would remain strong despite internal challenges.
The protest drew thousands of TMC supporters carrying party flags and raising slogans in support of Banerjee. Senior party leaders joined the demonstration, turning it into a major political show of strength in the heart of Kolkata.
Meanwhile, opposition parties dismissed the allegations made by the TMC leadership. Critics argued that public anger against the party had been building for years and claimed that recent incidents reflected growing dissatisfaction among sections of the electorate.
The dharna marks the latest chapter in the escalating political battle in West Bengal, where tensions have remained high since the conclusion of the Assembly elections. With both sides trading accusations over violence and political intimidation, the state appears headed for an extended period of confrontation.
As the protest concluded, Banerjee reiterated her message to party workers, saying the struggle would continue until what she described as attacks on democracy and political rights were halted. The “fight or die” call is expected to shape the Trinamool Congress’s political strategy in the coming weeks as it seeks to rally supporters and counter growing pressure from its opponents.
