The Trinamool Congress (TMC) is in a state of disarray following its humiliating defeat at the hands of the BJP in the Assembly elections. The party's internal strife has come to the forefront, with leaders and legislators speaking out against factionalism and the leadership's decision-making. The once-cohesive party is now a hotbed of dissent, with former allies and supporters turning on each other. The blame game has begun, with fingers pointed at various factions and individuals within the party.
One of the most vocal critics is Manoj Tiwary, a former Minister of State for Sports and cricketer. He has accused the Mamata Banerjee government of corruption and called for a change in leadership. Tiwary's comments have been echoed by other TMC leaders, including MP and actor Dev, who have also criticized the party's leadership and called for a fresh direction. The factionalism within the party is a major concern, with Niamot Sheikh, a TMC MLA, highlighting the presence of multiple factions in Murshidabad district alone.
Sheikh's warnings about factionalism were ignored by the party's higher-ups, who believed that more factions meant more competition and a stronger position. However, this strategy backfired, as it led to a lack of unity and coordination among party members. The party's reliance on technology, such as social media campaigns, is also being questioned. Sheikh argues that the human factor was undermined, and this may have contributed to the party's defeat.
The suspension of Humayun Kabir, a TMC candidate, just before the elections is another point of contention. Kabir, who wanted to build a Babri-like mosque in Murshidabad district, formed the Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AUJP) and won two seats. The division of Muslim votes is also being blamed for the party's defeat in minority-dominated areas, with Akhruzzaman, a TMC MLA, citing this as a significant factor.
The party's decision to not accept defeat and resign as the chief minister is also under scrutiny. TMC MLAs, such as Arunabha Sen and Sabina Yasmin, have criticized this stance, arguing that it tarnishes the party's image and hinders rebuilding efforts. The party's dependence on a professional agency, I-PAC, as a middleman is also being questioned, with leaders suggesting that this may have contributed to the lack of effective communication and decision-making.
The Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls is another factor that has been blamed for the party's debacle. The SIR, along with the deployment of Central forces, is believed to have driven fear among the people and affected the party's performance. The party's internal strife has also been exacerbated by the show-cause notices issued to five spokespersons for allegedly making anti-party comments.
The future of the TMC remains uncertain, with the party facing a period of introspection and rebuilding. The leadership's decision-making and the party's internal dynamics will be crucial in determining its future trajectory. The party's ability to address factionalism, improve internal communication, and adapt to the changing political landscape will be essential for its survival and future success.
