kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata: The fresh political controversy has erupted in West Bengal following explosive claims by senior Trinamool Congress leader Madan Mitra over party MP Abhishek Banerjee’s proposed foreign trip and his reported decision to temporarily step away from active politics.

Mitra’s remarks have come at a politically sensitive moment, when the Trinamool Congress is witnessing an unprecedented phase of internal dissent and differences among its leaders. His allegations have sparked a heated debate over whether there was an attempt to reach an understanding with BJP leaders, including Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, regarding Abhishek’s proposed overseas visit for medical treatment.

The controversy intensified after the Calcutta High Court reportedly rejected Abhishek Banerjee’s plea seeking permission to travel abroad for eye treatment. Shortly after the court decision, Madan Mitra made a series of claims regarding discussions that allegedly took place around Abhishek’s legal and political situation.

Speaking to ABP Ananda in an interview, Mitra claimed that he and fellow Trinamool leader Kunal Ghosh had discussed Abhishek’s legal and political circumstances with him. According to Mitra, the discussions included the possibility of Abhishek travelling to the United States for medical treatment and temporarily withdrawing from active politics.

Mitra claimed that Abhishek had indicated that, if permission was granted for him to travel to the United States for treatment, he would be prepared to stay away from active politics for a temporary period. The statement has assumed significance amid growing speculation over Abhishek’s political role and his relationship with the wider Trinamool leadership.

The most controversial part of Mitra’s allegation, however, concerns the purported communication with the BJP leadership. According to the Trinamool leader, Abhishek had requested that discussions be held with BJP leaders, including Suvendu Adhikari, so that the state government would not oppose his application to travel abroad. Mitra further alleged that Abhishek had also sought some degree of relief in connection with his bail-related legal proceedings.

Mitra claimed that the objective of such discussions was to ensure that there was no opposition from the state side to Abhishek’s foreign travel request and that his legal difficulties could be eased. The allegations, if substantiated, could have significant political implications, particularly because of the sharp political confrontation between the Trinamool Congress and the BJP in West Bengal.

According to Mitra, he and Kunal Ghosh were involved in discussions surrounding the issue and subsequently sought to know whether there had been any progress. Mitra claimed that when they were informed that there was no positive response from the BJP side, Abhishek allegedly expressed disappointment.

Mitra further claimed that Abhishek had said, “I knew they would not agree. They would not allow me to go abroad.” The alleged remark has now become a major talking point in Bengal’s political circles.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of growing internal tensions within the Trinamool Congress. The party has recently witnessed public disagreements and criticism from several leaders, raising questions about its internal unity and the balance of power within the organisation.

Madan Mitra’s latest remarks have added another layer to the political battle. His allegations have raised questions about whether informal political communication had taken place between leaders on opposing sides over Abhishek’s legal and medical circumstances.

The issue has also triggered speculation over the political equations involving Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, Abhishek Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress leadership. The allegations have come at a time when the BJP and Trinamool Congress remain locked in an intense political confrontation in West Bengal.

At the same time, the claims made by Mitra remain allegations and have not, by themselves, established that any formal political arrangement or agreement existed between Abhishek and the BJP leadership. Neither the alleged discussions nor the reported remarks can be treated as independently verified without confirmation from the individuals concerned.

For Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee, the latest controversy comes amid an already challenging period of internal dissent. With questions being raised over the role of senior leaders and the future direction of the party, Mitra’s comments are likely to fuel further speculation about whether Mamata Banerjee is facing increasing isolation within her own political organisation.

The episode has therefore moved beyond the question of a foreign medical trip. It has opened a wider political debate over internal differences within the Trinamool Congress, the legal challenges confronting its senior leadership and the possibility of behind-the-scenes political communication between leaders of rival camps.

The controversy gathers momentum, the political spotlight is now firmly on Abhishek Banerjee, Madan Mitra, Mamata Banerjee and Suvendu Adhikari, with Bengal’s political circles waiting to see whether any of the leaders directly involved will respond to the allegations.