KOLKATA — Defying widespread speculation regarding her political future, Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee issued a fierce warning to the BJP and internal party rivals, declaring she possesses the grit to rebuild her organization from scratch following recent electoral setbacks and mass defections.
In a late-night Facebook address, the 71-year-old former Chief Minister brushed aside critiques regarding her age, adopting a slogan of survival—“Korbo, Lorbo, Bachbo” (I will fight and I will survive)—to signal she has no intention of stepping away from active politics.
Challenging Age Critics and the BJP
Addressing critics head-on, Ms. Banerjee channelled a resilient posture to dismiss narratives that her political career is winding down:
-
Age vs. Mileage: Rejecting arguments that her age hinders a political comeback, Banerjee stated, “You don’t need to worry about my age. Mind, body and mental power build age.” She sharply added that her opponents had hoped for her political exit, but she would “survive till I see your [BJP’s] end.”
-
The Rebuilding Vow: Unfazed by the exodus of party members following a difficult Assembly election rout, she drew parallels to her historical struggles. “Whoever wants to leave, can go. I still have the power to make a fresh start like I did alone in 2004 and 1997,” she emphasized, asserting her role as an umbrella for three generations of leaders.
Internal Rebellion and a Fractured July 21 Rally
The Trinamool Congress leader’s emotional address comes at a time when her grip on the party face is facing its most severe institutional challenge:
-
Mass Revolts: Banerjee is currently battling unprecedented rebellion across both state and national legislative wings. A majority of TMC MLAs have rallied behind rebel leader Ritabrata Banerjee, while 20 of the party’s Lok Sabha MPs have split off to merge with a minor party, extending structural support to the NDA.
-
A Divided Martyrs’ Day: The address serves as a curtain-raiser for a highly charged July 21 Martyrs’ Day, a cornerstone event on the TMC calendar commemorating 13 youth workers killed in 1993. This year, the Calcutta High Court has permitted Banerjee’s faction to hold its rally near the Birla Planetarium, while a rival rebel faction will hold a competing event just a kilometer away, splitting the party’s traditional show of strength.
The Strategic View: Faced with structural splintering in both Kolkata and New Delhi, Mamata Banerjee is pivoting back to her original political avatar—the lone street fighter. By framing the internal mutiny as an opportunity to clear out liabilities and mine fresh talent, she is attempting to galvanize her remaining loyalist base ahead of a high-stakes public showdown on July 21.
