Key Points

Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee has strongly criticized the BJP's unilateral selection of Yusuf Pathan for multi-party delegations without consulting party leadership. While reaffirming support for government's anti-terrorism efforts, Banerjee emphasized that parties must independently choose their own representatives. The dispute highlights ongoing tensions between Trinamool and BJP regarding political representation and decision-making processes. Banerjee also noted that the recent organizational reshuffle in Trinamool was performance-based and not intended to curtail any leader's powers.

Key Points: Abhishek Banerjee Slams BJP's Unilateral Yusuf Pathan Delegation Move

  • Trinamool opposes BJP's unilateral MP delegation selection
  • Banerjee demands consultation in political representation
  • Party supports anti-terrorism initiatives with procedural conditions
  • Organizational reshuffle based on performance metrics
2 min read

'Not consulted': Abhishek Banerjee on Trinamool's decision to withdraw Yusuf Pathan from 'Operation Sindoor' delegations

Trinamool leader Abhishek Banerjee criticizes BJP's unauthorized selection of MPs for Operation Sindoor delegation without party consultation

"The Union government cannot unilaterally decide who will represent which party - Abhishek Banerjee"

Kolkata, May 19

Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Monday spoke out on his party's decision to withdraw the name of cricketer-turned-politician Yusuf Pathan from the multi-party MPs delegations on Operation Sindoor, making it clear that his party does not support the Union government's stand in selecting the Baharampur MP without consultation with the party's top leadership.

"We have made it clear that we are endorsing all steps taken by the Union government to combat terrorism, safeguarding the country’s sovereignty, and protecting the national interest. I am reiterating that. But one thing has to be kept in mind. If any delegation is going, which I think should go, my party can only decide who to assign for the delegation on behalf of the party. The Union government cannot unilaterally decide who will represent which party. The BJP can decide who would represent it. But the BJP cannot decide the representatives from the other parties," Banerjee told media persons before leaving for Delhi.

He also said that the Union government should show the intent of seriously involving other parties in the process. "The Union government should have discussed the leadership of other parties on the selection of representatives from those parties. The Union government cannot decide who will represent Trinamool Congress in the multi-party delegation. This does not mean that the Trinamool Congress is boycotting the initiative of the Union government on this count," he said.

Commenting on the “untainted” or “genuine” teachers losing jobs following a Supreme Court order last month conducting a sit-in demonstration in Front of Bikash Bhavan, the West Bengal Education Department headquarters, he said that although he has full respect towards any kind of democratic movement, he cannot support vandalism in the name of movement.

"Vandalism of public property in the name of the movement is not acceptable," Banerjee said.

He also said that the organisational reshuffle in Trinamool Congress, which was announced on Saturday, was done based on performance, and there is no question of curtailing the powers of some leaders through this exercise.

Following the reshuffle, it was decided that henceforth organisational matters for two out of 35 organisational districts of the party will be handled by a core committee of multiple members instead of individual organisational district presidents.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

Here are 6 diverse Indian perspective comments for the article:
R
Rajesh K.
Abhishek Banerjee makes a valid point about party representation. The central government should respect political parties' autonomy in choosing their own delegates. This isn't about opposing national security measures, but about proper democratic processes. 🙏
P
Priya M.
Why make such a fuss about Yusuf Pathan's withdrawal? The focus should be on Operation Sindoor's objectives, not political one-upmanship. When it comes to national security, all parties should stand united rather than squabbling over representation.
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Amit S.
As a cricket fan, I think Yusuf Pathan would have brought a unique perspective to the delegation. But Banerjee is right - the selection process should be transparent and consultative. Maybe next time they'll involve state leaders properly. 🏏
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Sunita R.
The teacher protest issue is more concerning than political delegation drama. Our education system needs stability. While vandalism isn't acceptable, the government must address genuine teachers' grievances properly.
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Vikram J.
Both sides need to show maturity. The Centre should consult, and states should cooperate. This constant tug-of-war helps no one, especially when national security is involved. Let's focus on the bigger picture, na?
N
Neha P.
The organizational reshuffle in TMC seems interesting. Moving from individual presidents to committee systems could either bring more democracy or more confusion. Time will tell which way it goes! 😅

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