Mamata Banerjee takes on dissenters in emotional Facebook Live
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, in an emotionally charged Facebook Live address on July 4, 2026, tore through dissenters within her party and dared TMC rebels to join the BJP if they were unhappy. The address, which lasted over 30 minutes, saw Banerjee defending her leadership amid growing internal unrest and speculation about a mass exodus to the Bharatiya Janata Party.
Defiant stance against rebels
Banerjee directly challenged the rebels, stating, "If you want to leave, go to the BJP. I will not stop you. But do not spread lies about me or the party." She accused the dissidents of being agents of the BJP and claimed that they were trying to destabilize the Trinamool Congress from within. The Chief Minister also warned that strict action would be taken against those who worked against the party's interests.
July 21 Martyrs' Day rally to go ahead
Banerjee vowed to press ahead with the TMC's annual July 21 Martyrs' Day rally, despite administrative hurdles imposed by the state government. She alleged that the BJP-led central government was using the Election Commission and other agencies to disrupt the rally. "We will hold the rally on July 21, come what may. This is our tribute to the martyrs of 1993," she declared, referring to the day when 13 TMC supporters were killed in police firing.
Impact on party unity
The address comes at a time when the TMC is facing its biggest internal crisis in years. Several senior leaders, including former MPs and MLAs, have either quit or expressed dissatisfaction with Banerjee's leadership. Political analysts believe that the open challenge to rebels could either consolidate her position or accelerate the exodus. According to sources, at least three sitting MLAs are in touch with the BJP and may switch sides before the July 21 rally.
Banerjee's speech was also seen as an attempt to rally the party's grassroots workers, who have been demoralized by the recent defections. She urged them to remain united and not fall for the "lies" spread by the opposition. "The TMC is not just a party; it is a family. And I will not let anyone break this family," she said.
Reactions from political rivals
The BJP was quick to respond to Banerjee's address. State BJP president Sukanta Majumdar said, "Mamata Banerjee is scared of losing her own party. Her emotional outburst shows her desperation. The people of Bengal have rejected her failed governance, and now her own party members are rejecting her." The Congress also criticized Banerjee, with state party chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury calling it a "drama to divert attention from corruption."
Looking ahead
As the July 21 rally approaches, all eyes are on the TMC's ability to mobilize support despite the internal strife. Banerjee's address may have temporarily silenced critics, but the underlying issues remain unresolved. The coming weeks will determine whether she can retain control over the party or if the cracks will widen further.
