Kolkata, July 16, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee on Thursday urged party members contemplating an exit to leave before the party’s annual Shaheed Diwas rally on July 21, asserting that everyone is free to take political decisions under the Constitution.
Her remarks came shortly after the resignation of TMC Rajya Sabha MP Rukmini Mallick, popularly known as Koel Mallick, who stepped down from the Upper House only months after being elected.
In a video message posted on X, Banerjee said Mallick had informed the party leadership about her decision through an email before formally resigning.
“I respect her. She had informed us earlier through email. Today she met a BJP leader. Those who are under pressure should take whatever decision they wish and go wherever they want before July 21, Shaheed Diwas. Our Constitution gives everyone the right to make such decisions,” Banerjee said.
She also claimed that some leaders who have chosen to leave the party continue to remain in touch with the TMC leadership.
Appeal for Neutral Administration
Ahead of the July 21 Shaheed Diwas rally, Banerjee appealed to the state administration to remain impartial and ensure that the programme is conducted peacefully in accordance with court directions.
The annual event commemorates the 13 Youth Congress workers who were killed in police firing during a protest in Kolkata in 1993 under the then Left Front government. The Trinamool Congress has traditionally observed the occasion as one of its major political programmes.
Banerjee said the party would also highlight the alleged killings of TMC workers in incidents of post-election violence.
“Our workers have been killed. They cannot protest. We will hold the July 21 programme peacefully as directed by the Court. I request the administration to remain neutral. Remember, if there are tremors in Delhi, Bengal will also feel the impact,” she said.
Resignation and Political Developments
According to reports, Koel Mallick met Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman C. P. Radhakrishnan earlier on Thursday to formally submit her resignation from the Rajya Sabha.
Her resignation comes amid a series of political setbacks for the ruling TMC. Earlier, former TMC Rajya Sabha members Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev and Prakash Chik Baraik crossed over to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and were subsequently nominated as BJP candidates in Rajya Sabha by-elections.
The party also suffered another setback on Wednesday when senior TMC leader Madan Mitra, considered a close associate of Mamata Banerjee, joined a rebel faction led by Leader of the Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee.
Despite the recent defections, Banerjee expressed confidence in the party’s resilience, indicating that the TMC has overcome political challenges in the past and would do so again if required.
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