For many observers, the key question is whether Mamata Banerjee can rebuild party unity in the same way that Indira Gandhi managed to revive the Congress after one of its most difficult periods
KOLKATA/NEW DELHI —Senior Congress leader and Rajya Sabha MP Tariq Anwar has compared the current turmoil within the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) to the situation faced by Indira Gandhi after her defeat in the 1977 General Election, saying that political leaders often begin questioning party leadership only after electoral setbacks.
His remarks come at a time when the TMC is facing one of the most challenging periods in its political journey following its defeat in the recent West Bengal Assembly election. The party, which had governed the state for nearly fifteen years, has witnessed growing internal unrest, public criticism by senior leaders and reports of defections.
The developments have intensified political debate across West Bengal, where questions are being raised about the future direction of the party led by Mamata Banerjee.
Speaking about leaders who have either left the party or publicly criticised its leadership, Tariq Anwar said such concerns should have been raised when the party was in power rather than after its electoral defeat.
“When Mamata Banerjee was in power, these leaders should have raised issues relating to internal democracy and leadership. Now that she is no longer in power, they suddenly seem to be noticing all the shortcomings,” Anwar said.
His comments are being viewed as a defence of Mamata Banerjee at a time when several prominent TMC leaders have publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s functioning.
Political observers note that electoral defeats often trigger internal debates within political parties, with leaders and workers reassessing strategies, leadership decisions and organisational structures.
Drawing a historical parallel, Anwar referred to the period following the 1977 General Election when Indira Gandhi and the Congress suffered a major political setback after the Emergency.
According to Anwar, many senior leaders abandoned Indira Gandhi after her defeat and openly challenged her leadership.
“After Indira Gandhi lost the election in 1977, many prominent leaders left her side and stood against her. But she rebuilt the party and brought it back to a position of strength,” he said.
The Congress leader suggested that Mamata Banerjee possesses a similar ability to overcome political adversity.
He described her as a leader with a long record of political struggle and resilience.
“Mamata Banerjee is a fighting leader. There may be areas where improvements are needed, but the kind of situation developing inside the party is not healthy,” Anwar said.
His remarks come amid continuing discussion over statements made by several senior TMC figures, including Kalyan Banerjee, whose comments have generated debate within political circles.
Responding to questions about Kalyan Banerjee’s public criticism, Tariq Anwar said party matters should ideally be discussed through internal mechanisms rather than through public statements.
“Such issues should be discussed within the party. Every leader should express their views while maintaining discipline,” he said.
According to Anwar, public criticism during a period of political difficulty can further weaken a party already facing electoral and organisational challenges.
“When a party is passing through a difficult phase, making such statements publicly is not considered appropriate,” he added.
He also expressed surprise that comments of this nature had come from a senior politician with extensive political experience.
Beyond West Bengal politics, Anwar also commented on a controversy involving Congress leader Meenakshi Natarajan and the rejection of a nomination form in Madhya Pradesh.
The Congress leader questioned the consistency of decisions taken by the Election Commission in different states.
According to Anwar, a comparison between cases in Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh revealed what he described as different standards being applied.
He alleged that while candidates in one state were given opportunities to rectify errors, a candidate in another state faced outright rejection.
“There appears to be a clear difference in the treatment of similar situations,” he said.
Anwar went further, alleging that the Election Commission was acting in a manner favourable to the ruling party at the national level.
He claimed opposition parties were facing increasing difficulties in the electoral process.
“The circumstances suggest that the Election Commission is functioning according to the wishes of the BJP. There is an effort to put pressure on opposition parties,” he alleged.
The Election Commission has consistently maintained that it functions independently and in accordance with constitutional and legal provisions. The Commission has repeatedly rejected allegations of political bias made by opposition parties on various occasions.
Political analysts say Anwar’s remarks are likely to intensify debate both within West Bengal and at the national level.
The comments come at a crucial moment for the TMC as it seeks to recover from its electoral defeat and address growing internal dissent.
For many observers, the key question is whether Mamata Banerjee can rebuild party unity in the same way that Indira Gandhi managed to revive the Congress after one of its most difficult periods.
While some leaders continue to express concerns about the party’s direction, others argue that internal criticism should remain within organisational forums rather than becoming public disputes.
As discussions over leadership, accountability and electoral performance continue, the coming months are expected to play an important role in determining the future course of the TMC.
For now, Tariq Anwar’s comparison with the post-1977 Congress era has added a new dimension to the debate, highlighting both the challenges facing the party and the possibility of a political comeback under Mamata Banerjee’s leadership.
