Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews,
Kolkata, Nov 25, 2024 : The Trinamool Congress (TMC) successfully held a significant meeting of its National Working Committee (NWC) on Monday, marking a crucial step in the party’s expansion and strategic planning ahead of upcoming by-elections. The committee’s membership has grown from 22 to 27, with key additions to the leadership roster. The meeting, held at TMC’s headquarters in Kalighat, was led by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who addressed party members about strengthening the party’s organizational framework and future plans.Mamata Banerjee emphasized that the party’s recent electoral victories have only increased its responsibility. “This victory has raised our stakes even higher. We must continue to move forward together and ensure we are always on the side of the people,” she said during the meeting. Mamata, who chairs the NWC, also pointed to the importance of convincing the public that the TMC stands as their unwavering ally.
The meeting saw the attendance of key leaders, including Mamata Banerjee, Abhishek Banerjee, Firhad Hakim, Sujit Bose, Subrata Bakshi, Malay Ghatak, Sushmita Dev, and many others. The focus was on organizational changes, with new responsibilities assigned to various leaders to further strengthen the party’s reach and influence across the state and beyond.
One key outcome of the meeting was the announcement of a strategic push for the by-elections in six constituencies in West Bengal. Mamata Banerjee stressed that the TMC is gearing up to contest these elections with full force, aiming to make significant gains and further consolidate its position.
Additionally, Mamata took time to highlight some of the structural changes within the party. New disciplinary measures have been implemented, with the creation of three separate disciplinary committees: one for Parliament, one for the Assembly, and another within the party. The committees are tasked with addressing anti-party activities, with stringent consequences for any violations. “No one is above discipline,” Mamata firmly stated, making it clear that show-cause notices will be issued to anyone found violating party norms, and repeated violations could lead to suspension.
Mamata also highlighted the importance of engaging with the people, especially on key issues such as price hikes, unemployment, the housing scheme, and the suspension of the 100-day work program. The party plans to ramp up its protests and advocacy, including a procession on November 30 to demand the passage of the Aparajita Bill, a law designed to combat violence against women. Women’s organizations will also be involved in sit-ins and dharnas across the state in the coming days, as part of this campaign.
Furthermore, Mamata announced that a delegation of 15 TMC leaders, including 5 MLAs and 10 MPs, will travel to meet the President after December 10 to raise issues such as rising prices, unemployment, and the ongoing crisis in Manipur. She also reiterated the party’s stance on taking firm action in Parliament, with an emphasis on securing discussions during Question Hour.
Another significant development was the increased importance of North Bengal within the party. Malay Ghatak, who holds a special responsibility for the tea garden region, and other regional leaders like Gautam Dev and Prakash Chik Baraik, will play pivotal roles in the party’s outreach efforts in the region. The TMC aims to strengthen its foothold in North Bengal, with a particular focus on the tea gardens and districts like Madarihat.
Mamata also shared plans to boost the party’s connection with the youth, stressing that the history of the TMC would be showcased in every district to inspire and engage young voters. The party will highlight its journey from its founding in 1998 to its current position, as a reminder of its enduring commitment to the people of West Bengal.
Finally, the TMC’s growing emphasis on women’s issues and its ongoing struggle to have the Aparajita Bill passed into law were central points of the meeting. Mamata underlined that the formation of the law is critical for the safety and empowerment of women in the state and that the party will continue its advocacy efforts until the law is enacted.
In summary, the meeting highlighted the TMC’s expansion, strategic preparations for upcoming elections, organizational reforms, and a continued focus on public issues such as women’s rights and socio-economic challenges. The party’s leadership, under Mamata Banerjee, remains resolute in its mission to uphold discipline, engage with the people, and advance its legislative agenda.