Kolkata, Correspondent

The internal rebellion within West Bengal's ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has taken a dramatic turn, with senior party leader and former North Bengal Development Minister Rabindranath Ghosh setting a major condition for the return of rebel leaders to the party.

After joining the rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee, Ghosh claimed that disgruntled leaders and workers would be willing to rejoin the TMC if Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee temporarily sidelines her nephew and the party's National General Secretary, Abhishek Banerjee, from active politics.

Rebels Blame Abhishek Banerjee for Party Crisis

Speaking to reporters, Ghosh alleged that Abhishek Banerjee lacks political experience and did not emerge through grassroots movements. He accused Abhishek's leadership of alienating senior party members by denying election tickets to more than 80 sitting MLAs and ministers while removing several veteran leaders from key organisational posts.

Ghosh also criticised political consultancy firm I-PAC, claiming that the organisation disrupted the party's traditional structure.

"I-PAC did not exist during the 2011 or 2016 elections. Suddenly, a group of young consultants began dictating how the party should function. They weakened the organisation built through years of struggle and then walked away," he said.

Questions Raised Over Mamata Banerjee's Authority

A longtime TMC district president, Ghosh questioned whether Mamata Banerjee still exercises full control over the party, suggesting that crucial decisions are now being taken by others.

According to the rebel camp, parallel committees have already been formed across several districts and at the state level. Ghosh claimed that a majority of leaders and MLAs in North Bengal have aligned with the dissident faction in what they describe as an effort to protect party workers' interests.

Mamata Banerjee Refuses to Yield

Mamata Banerjee has recently maintained that she will not bow to pressure from rebel leaders, arguing that doing so would weaken both the party and its organisational structure.

At the same time, reports indicate that the TMC leadership has kept communication channels open through its core committee in an effort to preserve party unity and maintain its legislative majority.

A representative of the rebel faction said the group remains open to dialogue but insists that any reconciliation must be based on "respect and principles."

Abhishek Banerjee's Reform Agenda

Supporters of Abhishek Banerjee argue that the party requires organisational reforms, greater professionalism and the induction of new faces to remain politically competitive. Accepting all the rebels' demands, they believe, would reverse those reforms.

Political observers say any resolution is likely to require a compromise, with both camps expected to negotiate a middle path as the TMC prepares for future electoral battles.

000

New Delhi, Jun 30 (UNI)

Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, alleging that the rule of law in West Bengal has been eroded by politically motivated actions targeting opposition leaders, workers and ordinary citizens.

In a post on social media platform X, the All India Trinamool Congress general secretary claimed that "the rule of law in West Bengal has been reduced to a casualty of BJP's politics" and accused central agencies and BJP workers of orchestrating a sustained campaign against the ruling party's supporters.

"State agencies are picking up citizens without notice. BJP cadres are attacking AITC workers, parading them with ropes tied around their waists, hurling stones and causing fatal injuries. BJP hooligans have taken the law into their own hands and are unleashing violence across different parts of West Bengal every day," Banerjee alleged.

He further claimed that "Supreme Court guidelines and basic human rights are being violated in broad daylight," accusing the BJP of misusing investigative agencies and legal processes to suppress political opponents.
Alleging attempts to destabilise the opposition, Banerjee said political parties were being weakened through coercive means. "Political parties are being broken. Bank accounts are being frozen. MLAs are being pressured, threatened and booked in false cases for refusing to defect. Sitting MLAs who refuse to bow down are being implicated overnight and continue to be in jail," he alleged.

Questioning the BJP's political approach, Banerjee asked, "If the BJP truly won Bengal on the strength of the people's mandate, why is it so afraid? Why this crackdown? Why this desperate attempt to silence every voice of dissent?"

The Trinamool Congress leader also targeted the BJP over corruption allegations, claiming that "this is the only state where the present Chief Minister was caught on camera allegedly taking bribe." He, however, did not identify the state or the chief minister in his post.

Referring to recent allegations relating to donations made to the Ram Temple, Banerjee accused the BJP of betraying the faith it professes to protect.

"A party that rose to power by fanning religious hatred and exploiting faith for political gain now stands accused of misappropriating donations meant for the Ram Mandir. Can there be a greater betrayal of the very faith it claims to protect?" he said.

Appealing to the public, Banerjee alleged that the BJP was seeking to establish "an opposition-free state and an opposition-free country."

"The honest and unflinching are sent to jail, while the corrupt compromise and join the BJP. The BJP does not want your vote. It wants an opposition-free state and an opposition-free country, where citizens lose the right to protest, dissent, question and criticise," he said.

Banerjee further alleged that "Bengal has been turned into a police state," while asserting that "in a democracy, people are supreme, not any political party," and adding that "India is watching and everything will be remembered."
The BJP has repeatedly rejected similar allegations levelled by the Trinamool Congress, maintaining that investigative agencies function independently and that legal action against political leaders is based on evidence rather than political considerations. Banerjee's remarks come amid continuing political friction between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress in the aftermath of the West Bengal Assembly elections.

000

Lucknow

BSP supremo Mayawati has strongly reacted to the controversy surrounding the alleged theft, embezzlement, and misappropriation of offerings at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

She said that if the complaints reported in the media are true, then this is a very serious and worrying matter and that fair and strict action should be taken against the culprits. She also advised against politicising the issue.

In a statement released on social media on Tuesday morning, Mayawati said that the reports of theft, embezzlement, and misappropriation of offerings made by devotees at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya are extremely serious. She said that whoever is guilty in this matter should not be spared under any circumstances.

The BSP chief said that to prevent any future complaints regarding offerings made by devotees, the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust should study and adopt the transparent accounting and management systems implemented in other major temples in the country.

Mayawati stated that this would not only resolve the current dispute but also strengthen the faith of devotees.

In her statement, Mayawati stated that "criminalisation of politics, politicisation of crime, politicisation of religion, and blind religiousisation of politics" are not appropriate for a democratic system.

She appealed to political parties and citizens to approach this matter within the framework of the law and the Constitution and to prioritise public interest.

Recently, a controversy has emerged regarding the management of offerings and alleged financial irregularities at the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya. These allegations have raised questions about the trust's functioning and transparency.

Demanding strict action against the culprits, Mayawati also stated that instead of turning the matter into a political controversy, emphasis should be placed on an impartial investigation and a transparent system.

000

New Delhi, Agency

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the implementation of the Centre's proposed rural employment programme, alleging that the government has effectively dismantled the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and deprived rural India of its "right to work."

In a post on social media platform X, Kharge questioned the Centre over pending MGNREGA payments, the funding pattern of the proposed Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G), and what he described as measures that would adversely affect farmers and rural labourers.

"Mr. @narendramodi, You have effectively ended MGNREGA, taking away the 'right to work' from rural India," Kharge said, before raising a series of questions directed at the Prime Minister.

Citing a reply presented in the Lok Sabha, Kharge alleged that dues amounting to Rs 17,144.13 crore remained pending for 34 states and union Territories as of March 2026, including Rs 7,846.25 crore in wage liabilities. "Workers have still not received the wages they are entitled to. Why?" he asked.

The Congress chief further alleged that while the Centre was rolling out the new VB-G RAM G scheme from July 1, it had yet to clear pending MGNREGA payments to states. He claimed Karnataka was awaiting Rs 700 crore, Jharkhand Rs 900 crore, while Telangana, Tamil Nadu and several other states were also yet to receive their dues.

Kharge also criticised the proposed funding structure of the new scheme, claiming that unlike MGNREGA, under which the Centre bore the full wage cost, the proposed framework shifts 40 per cent of the total expenditure to states. Referring to information obtained through the Right to Information Act, he said even BJP-ruled Madhya Pradesh and Bihar, along with Jharkhand, had expressed concerns over the financial burden and sought a review of the funding pattern.

He also objected to the proposed provision for a 60-day "blackout" period during the peak agricultural season, claiming that several states had opposed the move. "Why is the Central government imposing this anti-worker arrangement on farmers and rural labourers?" he asked.

The Congress president further claimed that implementing the promise of providing 125 days of employment would impose an additional burden of Rs 20,037 crore on Madhya Pradesh and Rs 15,939 crore on Bihar, questioning whether the Centre intended to push states into financial distress to implement its new scheme.

Kharge also reiterated the Congress party's demand for a minimum daily wage of Rs 400 under the rural employment programme. He noted that at least five states had sought higher wage rates, alleging that Bihar wanted wages raised from Rs 255 to Rs 413, while Jammu and Kashmir had sought an increase from Rs 272 to Rs 311.

Referring to the prevailing monsoon situation, Kharge claimed that rainfall in June had been 42 per cent below normal, Kharif sowing had declined by 22.7 per cent and more than 300 districts could face drought conditions. He alleged that ending MGNREGA amid a worsening rural livelihood crisis amounted to an attack on workers, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and the poor.

"Mr. Modi, please answer," Kharge said.

The Centre has maintained that the proposed VB-G RAM G framework is intended to strengthen rural livelihoods and improve implementation mechanisms. The Congress, however, has consistently opposed the proposed legislation, alleging that it weakens the rights-based framework of MGNREGA and shifts financial and administrative burdens onto the states.

000

By Milind Pol, Tasgaon

The question increasingly troubling ordinary citizens today is: Where exactly is Maharashtra's politics headed? Political disagreements, electoral contests, shifts in power, and ideological battles are natural components of a healthy democracy. However, the developments of the past few years have raised serious concerns about the very foundations of democratic values.

Former Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar once famously remarked, "Politics is a dirty game." Many may have dismissed the statement as a casual observation, but recent events have made the underlying truth of those words far more evident. Political competition, ideological conviction, and public service appear to be giving way to a culture where power is pursued at any cost.

Maharashtra has long been known as a land of ideas, social reform, and dignified political traditions. The legacy of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's Swarajya, Mahatma Phule's social revolution, Rajarshi Shahu Maharaj's progressive governance, and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's vision of equality shaped a political culture rooted in principles and ideology. Political parties differed, leaders clashed, and opinions diverged, but there were values, boundaries, and convictions that guided public life.

Today, however, those distinctions seem increasingly blurred. Political ideology often appears secondary to immediate calculations of power. Leaders who were yesterday accused of corruption, misgovernance, or betraying public trust suddenly become symbols of development and integrity the moment they switch sides. Fierce opponents become allies overnight, while former allies transform into political enemies with equal speed.

For the average voter, such developments are both confusing and disheartening. Citizens cast their votes based on party ideologies, declared policies, and the promises made by political leaders. Yet the post-election realignments often leave them wondering whether their vote, their trust, and their expectations carry any meaning at all.

Particularly troubling is the growing culture of political engineering through defections and party splits. This was never a defining feature of Maharashtra's political tradition. Political disagreements existed, but systematically weakening opponents by breaking parties, inducing elected representatives to switch loyalties, and using political power to undermine rivals was not considered acceptable political conduct. Maharashtra witnessed fierce electoral battles, victories, and defeats, but the contest was largely one of ideas rather than organized efforts to dismantle political opponents.

The greatest victims of this trend are often grassroots party workers. Many dedicate years, sometimes decades, to a particular ideology, organization, and leadership. They make sacrifices, engage with communities, and defend their party's position in public. Yet they frequently find themselves working alongside individuals whom they once opposed politically and who, after crossing over, are rewarded with prestigious positions. Such circumstances inevitably raise questions about the value of loyalty and commitment.

The growing unease among citizens is therefore not merely dissatisfaction with one political party or another. It reflects a deeper anxiety about the state of democracy itself. Democracy is not merely about holding elections. It is built upon public trust, respect for commitments, adherence to ethical standards, and the sanctity of the people's mandate.

History repeatedly reminds us that no political power is permanent. Many empires were built upon wealth, influence, and overwhelming authority, yet few survived the test of time. Even Ravana, blessed with immense power and divine boons, ultimately fell because of his arrogance. His golden kingdom was reduced to ashes. The lesson remains relevant: public sentiment and the judgment of history are often stronger than political power.

This is why many citizens today are increasingly concerned. Rising unemployment, widening economic inequality, growing political opportunism, and declining trust in democratic institutions are creating layers of public frustration. If these grievances converge, the consequences could be significant. History across the world has shown that public anger, when ignored for too long, can trigger profound political transformations.

Both those in power and those in opposition would do well to recognize this reality. The true strength of democracy does not lie in the corridors of power but in the confidence people place in the system. When citizens begin to feel that their vote, their aspirations, and their trust are repeatedly disregarded, democracy itself faces a serious challenge.

Maharashtra today does not need new political slogans or yet another political formation. What it needs is political honesty, ideological commitment, respect for public promises, and above all, recognition that democracy is greater than any individual leader or government.

Maharashtra is not merely a laboratory for political experiments. It is the land of saints, social reformers, intellectuals, and a proud democratic heritage. It has elevated many leaders to positions of power, but it has also demonstrated the ability to hold them accountable when necessary.

Governments change. Parties split and merge. Political faces and slogans evolve. But once public trust is broken, rebuilding it becomes extraordinarily difficult.

The most important question today is not who occupies the seat of power. The real question is: Who will step forward to preserve the values, principles, and ethical foundations that once defined Maharashtra's politics?

Even if that answer is not found today, history will undoubtedly demand it tomorrow.

000

New Delhi / Mumbai

The Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) appeared headed for another political crisis on Wednesday as six of its nine Lok Sabha MPs are reportedly seeking to form a separate parliamentary group, triggering concerns over a possible another split within the party after the one happened in 2022.

The development, dubbed "Operation Tiger" in political circles, sparked intense activity in Parliament as Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders moved swiftly to counter any attempt to secure official recognition for a breakaway faction.

Amid mounting pressure , a flurry of activity was witnessed in the Parliament House on Wednesday. Senior Shiv Sena (UBT) leaders, including Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Raut and Lok Sabha MPs Arvind Sawant and Anil Desai, held a high-level meeting with Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla to register their protest against any potencial political recognition of a breakaway faction.

In a formal communication to the Speaker, the party leadership has asserted that the Shiv Sena (UBT) remains a unified political entity. Parliamentary party leader Arvind Sawant underscored that the authority to appoint the whip and steer legislative conduct remains rests with the parent political party and not with individual legislators or a legislature party acting independently.

Escalating the political confrontation, Raut alleged that attempts were being made to engineer defections through "financial inducements," though he did not provide evidence to support the claim.

Meanwhile, the Shiv Sena (UBT) has issued a formal whip, directing all its MPs to attend a crucial parliamentary party meeting scheduled for Thursday morning in New Delhi. The party has cautioned that failure to comply with the directive may invite disqualification proceedings under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

With reports suggesting that the alleged "Operation Tiger" could culminate around the party's foundation day on June 19, Political observers are now keenly watching the Speaker's office for any procedural developments while the UBT camp intensifies its efforts to maintain internal cohesion..

The reported rebellion, if it materialises, would deal a significant blow to Shiv Sena (UBT) chief Uddhav Thackeray, whose party has already faced major defections since the split led by Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in 2022.

000