Abhishek Banerjee challenges former TMC colleagues to return, says he will resign if they do

MP, July 18, 2026, Kolkata : TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday challenged former party colleagues who quit the Mamata Banerjee faction, blaming him for the party’s 2026 Assembly poll debacle, to return to Mamata Banerjee’s fold, saying he would resign within an hour.

Earlier in the day, the South 24 Parganas district administration demolished portions of Abhishek Banerjee’s office in Amtala, alleging illegal construction.

Reacting to the demolition, Abhishek said the law had been misused and those responsible for the demolition would face the same legal provisions.

At a press conference, Abhishek challenged former party colleagues blaming him to return to Mamata Banerjee’s fold, saying he would resign from his party post within an hour if they did.

He alleged they had struck a deal with the BJP to seek protection from central agencies before targeting him.

Abhishek said if he could be credited for the TMC’s 2024 victories, he was equally ready to accept responsibility for its shortcomings.

Inviting former colleagues to return before the July 21 programme, he said they would be accommodated, but added that those facing serious allegations should not expect political protection by switching sides, as “the people will deliver the final verdict”.

Three bulldozers were deployed to demolish the five-storey building, which locals said Abhishek used during programmes in Diamond Harbour.

The district administration alleged it had been constructed without an approved building plan.

After notices issued on June 30 and July 7 reportedly went unanswered, authorities ordered the demolition.

Officials said the property was purchased in the name of Leaps and Bounds, with Amit Banerjee, one of its directors, among the reported owners.

Abhishek Banerjee alleged the demolition was carried out to display political power and claimed the law was being misused against him.

He warned that the same legal provisions would one day be applied to those responsible and questioned how BJP supporters carrying saffron scarves and flags were allowed inside the premises during the demolition.

“We have complete faith in the judiciary and will approach the Calcutta High Court. If necessary, we will go all the way to the Supreme Court to ensure that everyone seen in the videos is brought to justice,” he said.

BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar defended the demolition, alleging the building was an illegal construct