Abhishek Banerjee Holds Key Organizational Meeting with District Leaders Amid Growing Tensions in Trinamool Congress

PTI, KOLKATA, AUG 11, 2025 :  Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Abhishek Banerjee initiated an important round of meetings with district leaders today, as part of the party’s ongoing organizational strategy ahead of crucial political developments. The meeting, which took place on Camac Street in Kolkata, saw Abhishek engage with the organizational heads of Uttar Dinajpur, Berhampur, and Murshidabad districts. In attendance were ten MLAs from these three districts, including the controversial Humayun Kabir, a so-called ‘rebel’ MLA from Debra who has been at the center of much speculation over the past few weeks.

Humayun, who had earlier threatened to form a new political party, was meeting Abhishek for the first time after his warning to leave TMC if his grievances weren’t addressed. While there is no certainty on whether Humayun will follow through on his threat to form a party focused on Murshidabad and the surrounding regions, sources indicate that Abhishek received a call from him well before the deadline of August 15, which Humayun had set for the party leadership to act.

Humayun, when questioned about his earlier remarks regarding a possible new political venture, stated that the meeting had been scheduled by the All India General Secretary ten days ago, implying that he was mentally prepared to meet Abhishek. Despite his reluctance to accept the ‘rebel’ label, Humayun was circumspect when asked about his potential move to form a new party. He hinted that all would be revealed in due time but emphasized that he expected the leadership to offer solutions that would preserve his dignity. “I think the leadership will give all the instructions keeping my honor in mind,” he said, underlining the delicate nature of the situation.

The focus of today’s organizational meeting, according to informed sources, was not just on Humayun but also on addressing the ongoing factionalism in Uttar Dinajpur. This issue, which has surfaced multiple times in recent months, was expected to be a key topic of discussion. Abhishek may likely assign organizational leaders a 'home task' regarding the situation in Adhir-Garh Berhampur, a potential flashpoint for party instability in the region.

Abhishek’s meeting with district leaders began earlier this month and has already seen two rounds of consultations with leaders from the four northern districts: Alipurduar, Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, and Malda. These meetings have been part of his efforts to consolidate the party's position and address internal strife, especially with rising dissent in various districts. Notably, on August 7, Abhishek held another meeting with leaders from Dakshin Dinajpur and Jangipur.

The political scenario within TMC is undoubtedly tense, as growing factionalism continues to undermine the party's unity in certain districts. As the August 15 deadline looms, all eyes are now on whether Humayun Kabir will make a decisive move or if he will choose to return to the fold of the TMC. Meanwhile, the party’s second-in-command, Abhishek Banerjee, seems determined to quell internal discord and keep the party intact in the face of mounting opposition.