'Return to Didi, I'll quit': Abhishek throws resignation challenge to TMC rebels amid deepening party crisis

His remarks come as the party grapples with an unprecedented internal revolt following its crushing defeat in the West Bengal Assembly elections, with defections weakening Mamata Banerjee's grip over the organisation and significantly reducing the party's strength in Parliament.

'Return to Didi, I'll quit': Abhishek

Responding to questions over the steady stream of leaders quitting the party, the Diamond Harbour MP challenged the rebels to return to Mamata Banerjee instead of targeting him.

"Those who left the party and are now blaming me should come back to Didi. If they do, I will resign from my party post within one hour," Abhishek said.

He alleged that many of the defectors had already reached an understanding with the BJP to avoid scrutiny by central investigative agencies.

"The formula is simple—leave the party, join the rebels or the BJP, seek protection from the ED and CBI, and then start abusing Abhishek Banerjee," he claimed.

'Face the probe, don't switch sides'

Abhishek urged leaders facing investigations to cooperate with agencies instead of changing political camps.

"If you have done nothing wrong, then face the investigation," he said, adding that despite repeated summons and multiple FIRs against him, he had never abandoned the party.

"For us, protection from the ED or CBI is not important. The only protection that matters is the trust of the people. I will bow only before the people in a democracy, never before those in power in Delhi," he asserted.

Links poll defeat to earlier electoral success

Abhishek argued that he could not be singled out for the party's poor performance in the 2026 Assembly elections while being denied credit for the TMC's success in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls, where it won 29 of the 42 seats in West Bengal.

He also invited dissident leaders to return before the party's July 21 Martyrs' Day rally, promising they would be accommodated.

"Anyone who wants to return before July 21 can come back. But those facing serious allegations should not expect political protection by changing sides because the people will ultimately decide," he said.

Kalyan Banerjee opposes return of rebels

Abhishek's offer came shortly after senior TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee publicly opposed the re-entry of any rebel leader into the party.

Addressing a workers' meeting in Bankura, Kalyan Banerjee said he had already conveyed his stand to Mamata Banerjee.

"I have told Didi that none of those who abandoned her should be taken back. If they are allowed to return, I will be the first person to quit the party," he said.

Rebels say damage already done

Reacting to Abhishek's challenge, rebel leader Akhruzzaman questioned why the TMC leader had made the offer only now.

"We repeatedly urged Didi to choose between her blood relation and her dedicated workers. She chose the former, and now the damage has already been done," he said.

BJP questions Abhishek's credibility

BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar dismissed Abhishek's statement as lacking credibility.

"He has made such challenges before but never acted on them. It is for TMC leaders to decide whether they believe him. Ultimately, the party will be left with only Pishi and Bhaipo," he said, using the popular reference to Mamata Banerjee and her nephew.

TMC faces growing internal revolt

The Trinamool Congress has been hit by a wave of resignations, defections and factional infighting since its Assembly election defeat.

The latest setback came when newly elected Rajya Sabha MP and actor-turned-politician Rukmini alias Koel Mallick resigned from the Upper House without attending a single sitting.

Earlier, former Rajya Sabha MPs Sukhendu Sekhar Roy, Sushmita Dev and Prakash Chik Baraik switched to the BJP and returned to Parliament after winning bypolls.

The party has also suffered major losses in the Lok Sabha, with 20 rebel MPs breaking away to join the Nationalist Citizens Party of India (NCPI), which has extended support to the BJP-led NDA.

Meanwhile, the Ritabrata Banerjee-led rebel faction has intensified its challenge by inducting senior leaders and staking claim to the Trinamool Congress's official symbol and organisational control.

The rebellion has drawn several prominent former Mamata Banerjee loyalists—including Firhad Hakim, Aroop Biswas, Anubrata Mondal and Madan Mitra—into the dissident camp.

Both Mondal and Mitra have publicly accused Abhishek Banerjee's alleged "high-handedness" of driving them away from the party, deepening the crisis within the Trinamool Congress.