Baby Chakraborty | KalimNews | Kolkata | December 4, 2024 :
In a move aimed at enhancing party discipline and ensuring better communication within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has initiated a WhatsApp group for all 225 TMC legislators. The group, named ‘West Bengal Trinamool Congress Legislative Members’, was created within 48 hours of the Chief Minister’s directive and is expected to serve as a platform for managing party affairs and addressing concerns of the MLAs.The newly formed group will be administered by Minister Arup Biswas, with key responsibilities shared by senior leaders Firhad Hakim and Shobhan Chatterjee. The aim of the group, according to sources, is to provide a direct communication channel for MLAs to express their grievances, concerns, and suggestions regarding party matters. All communications related to internal party issues are now expected to be routed through this platform.
This WhatsApp group is seen as the first step in a broader initiative by Mamata Banerjee to reinforce party discipline and streamline internal communications within the TMC. The move follows recent remarks by the Chief Minister, in which she emphasized the importance of keeping internal party matters confidential and refraining from public comments that could embarrass the party.
At a recent meeting of the TMC’s legislative party in the Assembly, Mamata Banerjee made it clear that no internal issues should be shared with investigative agencies or the media. “Do not make public comments that could bring discomfort to the party,” she told the MLAs. “If any of you have something to say, you will say it in the appropriate forum, and I will personally look into it. If there are issues within the party, they will be addressed here, not outside.”
Mamata Banerjee also stressed that the party’s strength lies in its unity and discipline, urging her colleagues not to become complacent in their roles. “Today you may be a minister, tomorrow an MLA. Don’t think about positions. Focus on the work of the people,” she said. She further warned that any member who fails to adhere to party guidelines would face strict action, adding, “If you don’t follow the rules, there will be consequences. You will be punished.”
The WhatsApp group, which will serve as the central point of contact for all party-related communications, is expected to help streamline decision-making and reduce the chances of public infighting or leaks to the media. The initiative comes as part of Mamata Banerjee’s ongoing efforts to maintain a tight grip on the party’s functioning and ensure that all members work towards the common goal of serving the people of West Bengal.
While some see the creation of this group as a progressive step towards transparency and effective communication, others believe it may serve as a way to control dissent within the party. With Mamata Banerjee’s firm stance on discipline, it remains to be seen how this initiative will impact the dynamic within the TMC legislature and its relationship with the public.
As the TMC prepares for future challenges, the creation of this group reflects the Chief Minister’s efforts to adapt to modern communication tools while maintaining strict party discipline and unity.