Abhishek Banerjee Challenges Rebel TMC Leaders to Return, Offers Resignation

Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Abhishek Banerjee has issued a bold challenge to party rebels, offering to step down from his position within an hour if all those who left return to the party under the leadership of Mamata Banerjee. He accused the rebel leaders of striking a 'deal' with the BJP, alleging they are using him as a scapegoat to justify their defection.

Crisis Overview:
- The party is facing significant internal upheaval with several senior MPs and MLAs departing. Rajya Sabha MPs including Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev, and Prakash Chik Baraik have resigned.
- A rebel faction led by Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, involving 20 MPs, claims to support the NDA.
- In the State Assembly, 64 out of 80 TMC MLAs have formed a separate faction under the leadership of Ritabrata Banerjee, claiming to be the 'real TMC' and seeking rights over the party name and symbol. Ritabrata Banerjee has been designated as the leader of the legislative party and the Leader of the Opposition.
- Senior leader Madan Mitra has also resigned from all party posts, citing 'dictatorial' leadership styles as the cause for the party's weakening state.

Demolition Controversy:
- The political tension escalated further when the South 24 Parganas district administration demolished an office linked to Abhishek Banerjee in Amtala, citing illegal construction and building code violations.
- Abhishek Banerjee termed the demolition as 'political vendetta' orchestrated by the BJP and local administration. He has announced that the party will seek urgent intervention from the Calcutta High Court and, if necessary, the Supreme Court, asserting that all necessary permits and approved plans were in place for the structure.

The unfolding events highlight a deepening rift in West Bengal's ruling party, with legal and political battles expected to intensify in the coming days.