TMC Gears Up For Bijoya Sammilani: Mamata Banerjee’s Party To Focus RG Kar Damage Control, Assembly Bypolls

Like every year, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) has assigned its leaders to hold Bijoya Sammilani – the annual meet and greet after Durja Puja. However, the focus, sources say, will be controlling the damage done by the RG Kar protest.

Block, municipality to assembly leaders have been tasked with responsibilities for the programme, in which senior TMC leaders, too, will be felicitated. In every block, the party will try to get new members.

The annual programme was planned by TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee. While he is out of station for medical reasons, sources say in the present situation, a public outreach program is key.

Political experts say the TMC has not been vocal on RG Kar, staying neutral even as the country was shocked by the rape-murder of a trainee doctor and subsequent stir by the medical fraternity. TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek tried to present a defence, but apart from Kunal Ghosh, nobody’s stance was clear. In fact, leaders from Udayan Guha to Lovely Roy Maitra came across insensitive amid the protest.

Moreover, six seats will go to bypolls on November 13, which makes spreading a positive word about the party all the more important.

The TMC is also projecting the sammelan on its social media pages.

In a post on X, the TMC said: “Across the districts of Bengal, Bijoya Sammilani celebrations are in full swing, bringing people together to rejoice in the spirit of Durga Pujo. Shubho Bijoya!”

A senior leader told News18: “This will help us in the future as this outreach is important. The most important feature of the programme is leaders from a particular region do not necessarily hold the meet in their area. This ensures them knowing other regions and vice-versa.”