Mamata Banerjee has appealed for unity within the All India Trinamool Congress amid growing turmoil in the party following a wave of resignations by municipal councillors across West Bengal.
The crisis comes in the aftermath of the party’s defeat in the recent assembly elections, with several councillors either stepping down from their posts or reportedly staying away from municipal work altogether.
According to reports, more than 100 councillors linked to the TMC have resigned in recent days, sparking concerns over the functioning of civic bodies across the state.
Mamata urges workers to stay united
During a meeting with party leaders on Monday, Banerjee reportedly told workers and representatives that difficult political phases require unity and discipline within the organisation.
Sources said the former chief minister made it clear that anyone unwilling to continue with the party was free to make their own decision.
Her remarks came as resignations continued to emerge from multiple municipalities across Bengal.
BJP attacks TMC over civic disruption
Reacting to the political developments, state minister Agnimitra Paul criticised the TMC leadership and accused resigning councillors of abandoning public responsibilities.
Paul alleged that the absence of elected representatives from municipal offices was affecting civic administration and disrupting essential public services in several areas.
She further described the councillors who either resigned or stopped attending work as irresponsible and accused them of neglecting their duties towards residents.
Several municipalities witness mass resignations
Among the biggest political setbacks for the TMC was Halisahar in North 24 Parganas district, where 16 out of 23 councillors resigned together last week.
Soon after, another major blow came in Bhatpara, where 30 out of 35 councillors stepped down, including municipal chairperson Reba Saha.
The developments have fuelled speculation that several elected municipal boards could eventually be replaced by administrators.
In Kanchrapara, 14 councillors also resigned from the municipality.
Other civic bodies witnessing large scale resignations included Garulia with 18 resignations, North Barrackpore with 15 and Contai with 14 councillors stepping down.
Contai is politically significant as it is considered the stronghold of Suvendu Adhikari.
Meanwhile, in Diamond Harbour, eight councillors resigned from the 16 member civic body.
Several councillors reportedly claimed that elected representatives had little real authority within the municipal system.
