Will Abhishek Banerjee Resign In 1 Hour? Know All About His Sensational Statement And 'Open Challenge' To Rebel TMC Leaders

Kolkata: Trinamool Congress (TMC) General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Saturday issued a sensational statement, saying that he is willing to resin in one hour. However, his statement had a catch: his resignation would be materialised only if the rebel TMC MPs and MLAs returned to the faction lead by former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Abhishek Banerjee's Open Challenge

Noting that a large number of leaders have rebelled against Mamata and have joined a separate TMC faction since the devastating loss in Assembly elections, Abhishek Banerjee said, “If anyone has a problem with me, I issue a challenge... 60 MLAs have left, some people have left, 20 MPs have left. I challenge you: come back to Mamata Banerjee."

“I will resign within 24 hours. I am issuing an open challenge…Come at 3 o'clock; I will step down at 4 o'clock,” he added.

‘Rebels Following BJP’s Script'

Abhishek Banerjee's open challenge came while he was launching a sharp attack against the rebel leaders who have allegedly hurled insults at him after leaving Mamata Banerjee. Several rebels have blamed Abhishek Banerjee for the party’s electoral defeats and internal crisis.

Abhishek Banerjee claimed that they are compelled to say “exactly what's written in BJP's script”. “Only then will you stay safe from the police. If you don't hurl a few insults at Abhishek Banerjee, the police won't spare you. You'll only remain safe if you hurl those insults,” he added.

“The party won the 2024 elections and secured 29 seats. If Abhishek Banerjee is responsible for the losses, then Abhishek Banerjee must also be credited for the victory in 2024. Will you accept that?” he further questioned.

‘They Won't Return'

Abhishek Banerjee claimed that even though he is ready to resign, the rebels won't come back to Mamata Banerjee. “They have made a deal with the BJP: leave the party, join the rebel camp or the BJP, take protection from the ED, CBI and other agencies and then blame and abuse Abhishek Banerjee,” the TMC leader added.

‘If You Haven’t Done Anything Wrong, Face Probe'

Addressing the leaders who left after receiving notice from the ED, the CBI and other investigating agencies, Abhishek Banerjee said, “ If you have done nothing wrong, then face the investigation.”

He further said, “I have been summoned repeatedly by the CID and other agencies. There are so many FIRs against me that I have even asked the High Court to direct the DGP to provide me with the complete list. I have never run away. For us, protection from the ED or the CBI is not important. The only protection that matters is the trust and support of the people.”

He stressed that if he has to bow down before anyone, he will do so before the people in a democracy, never before the powerful individuals sitting in Delhi.

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