Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee Face Differences Over Kolkata College Controversy

Reports suggest a rift between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her nephew, Trinamool Congress General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee, over the handling of the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident has sparked widespread protests, leading to tensions within the party.

Sources indicate that Abhishek Banerjee is displeased with the transfer of Dr. Sandip Ghosh, the former principal of RG Kar Medical College, to a prestigious position at Calcutta National Medical College following the protests. Abhishek believes that the swift suspension of Dr. Ghosh, without addressing alleged corruption at the hospital, could harm the party’s clean image. This stance contrasts with Mamata Banerjee’s measured approach, which has drawn criticism from her nephew’s camp.

Abhishek Banerjee has notably distanced himself from Mamata Banerjee’s rallies and padyatras demanding swift action in the case, emphasizing a need for a more ruthless approach to maintain the party’s credibility. Meanwhile, Mamata Banerjee continues to manage the crisis and media relations directly, sidelining Abhishek’s media team.

The Supreme Court has criticized the West Bengal government for delays in the case, further intensifying the situation. As Abhishek Banerjee prepares to leave for New York for eye surgery in mid-September, the internal tensions within the Trinamool Congress add complexity to the ongoing political drama.