I Have Respect For Suvendu: Mahua Moitra says ‘TMC rebels’ should have quit like Adhikari
As TMC battles its biggest internal rebellion, Mahua Moitra has made a surprising remark about Suvendu Adhikari. Calling the rebel exodus a “cleansing process,” she hit out at dissidents and defended Mamata Banerjee.
Mahua Moitra says TMC Rebels Should Have Quit Like Adhikari (Img: Internet)
New Delhi: Amid the deepening crisis within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), party MP Mahua Moitra has defended the Mamata Banerjee-led outfit and launched a sharp attack on rebel leaders, saying those unhappy with the party should have followed the example of Suvendu Adhikari and quit openly.
In an interview with HT, Moitra described the ongoing exodus from the party as a process of “shuddhi karan” (purification) and dismissed claims that the TMC is on the verge of collapse.
Reacting to Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev’s resignation from both the TMC and Parliament, Moitra said individuals are free to make their political choices.
She pointed out that Dev had been given opportunities by the party, including two Rajya Sabha terms, and said the reasons behind her departure would have to be explained by Dev herself. Moitra also questioned whether former TMC leaders would eventually align with the BJP.
Dismisses Rebel MPs’ Claims
The Krishnanagar MP rejected claims by rebel lawmakers that they have the support of 20 MPs, asserting that the numbers do not add up.
According to Moitra, even if a group of MPs decides to sit separately in Parliament, it does not automatically qualify as a recognised faction under anti-defection laws unless the required numbers and merger conditions are met.
She alleged that the dissidents were effectively helping the BJP and suggested their political future in the Lok Sabha could be limited.
‘Good Purification’ for the Party
Moitra said the departure of leaders who were no longer committed to the party was ultimately beneficial. She argued that Mamata Banerjee has often been too loyal and accommodating toward leaders who benefited from the party’s rise but failed to stand by it during difficult times.
Calling the current churn a “cleansing process,” she said the party would emerge stronger after shedding opportunistic elements.
In one of her most striking remarks, Moitra said she respected BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari for leaving the TMC openly instead of remaining within the party while harbouring ambitions elsewhere.
She said Adhikari made a clear political choice and accepted the consequences, unlike some current rebels who continue to challenge the leadership from within.
Defends Abhishek Banerjee
Responding to allegations of nepotism surrounding TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, Moitra acknowledged that his initial political entry was linked to family ties but argued that he had since earned his position through years of organisational work and electoral success.
She maintained that the party remains committed to fighting the BJP and dismissed suggestions that the TMC’s political future is under threat.
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