Following Trinamool Congress’ defeat in West Bengal’s recently concluded Assembly elections, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tells party candidates to rebuild the organisation and said members who want to leave are free to do so. Multiple outlets report that she makes the remarks during a meeting with contesting candidates after the poll result. Banerjee asserts that the party will rise again despite what several reports describe as a crushing loss.
She also urges loyalists to restore and work on party offices and reconnect with grassroots workers, according to reporting from several sources. In describing the loss and the political situation, Banerjee says the TMC will not bow down and accuses rivals of “looting” the public mandate. One report also quotes a defeated candidate saying Banerjee indicated she would start from scratch if required.
Other reporting adds that Banerjee indicates she would not stop anyone from quitting the party and joining another political formation, framing her message as permission rather than punishment for internal dissent after the election setback.
