Turmoil in TMC over Mamata’s style of functioning

handling of several important and sensitive issues, for which they are answerable in their constituency, but they do not have a place to discuss such issues. The CM takes important, far-reaching decisions all by herself and without consulting anyone in the party.” As an example, TMC leaders point to the recent developments in which MP Mukul Roy—who was once known to be Mamata Banerjee’s confidant and is one of the few party leaders with a mass base—was removed from several key posts. He was earlier removed from the parliamentary consultative committee of the Ministry of Home Affairs and from the chairmanship of the parliamentary standing committee on transport, tourism and culture. Recently, he was also removed from the party vice president’s post, causing a churn among TMC workers considered to be close to Roy.

Earlier this week, Mukul Roy gave up his Z+ security cover, which was provided to him by the state government.

Speaking to this correspondent, a senior TMC leader and MP from the disgruntled faction said, “Leaders who were there with the party when the party was in its incubation period are being sidelined because of the personal ambitions of our party members who have risen to fame only when the party came to power. The top leadership is busy promoting own family members, while leaders who have worked with their heart and soul for the party are being used as dummies. The TMC has forgotten its core principles and I am certain that many would be deserting the party, come 2019.”