Trinamool Congress (TMC) All India General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Monday chaired a series of district-level organisational meetings at the party’s Camac Street office, with the Matua vote bank emerging as the key focus.
The meeting began at 11 am with leaders of the Bangaon organisational district and continued with Dum Dum–Barrackpore district leaders by 1:30 pm. From MLAs to grassroots functionaries, the gathering saw the presence of leaders across ranks.
According to party insiders, the session holds particular political significance against the backdrop of recent controversy sparked by TMC MP Mahua Moitra’s remarks, in which she allegedly criticised Dalits for availing state financial benefits while extending support to the Bharatiya Janata Party. The comments triggered discontent within sections of the Matua Mahasangh, which demanded a public apology from Moitra. The fallout has reportedly caused unease within the party’s Bangaon unit, a traditional Matua stronghold.
"Abhishek Banerjee’s direct intervention in the matter is being seen as an attempt to address divisions and consolidate the Matua vote bank ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. With the BJP already wielding significant influence in both Bangaon and Dum Dum–Barrackpore, party strategists view unity as critical," said a senior TMC leader who was in the meeting.
Political analysts note that while differences of opinion are natural in a large party like the TMC, any escalation of factional rifts could lead to electoral setbacks. “Abhishek’s guidance will be crucial in not just damage control but also in ensuring organisational discipline ahead of the elections,” one observer said.
The party is expected to announce specific directives following the meeting, with political circles closely watching Banerjee’s message to cadres on bridging divides and safeguarding the Matua support base.
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