“I am not a Beimaan…”: Abhishek Banerjee Denies Plans to Form New Party Ahead of 2026 Elections, Vows Loyalty to Mamata Banerjee

Trinamool Congress National General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday firmly stated that he is not a traitor, rejecting rumours that he may break away to form a new political party in Bengal, ahead of the 2026 State Assembly Elections.

“I am not a beimaan (traitor). Even if my throat is cut, I will still say Mamata Banerjee zindabad,” said Banerjee addressing party workers at Kolkata’s Netaji Indoor Stadium. He also took aim at former party members like Mukul Roy and Suvendu Adhikari, whom he had previously labelled as traitors, stating, “I had identified traitors like Mukul Roy and Suvendu Adhikari. I will keep doing it. They are spreading lies that I will open a new party.”

In his speech, Abhishek also took aim at the CBI charge sheet filed in the teachers’ recruitment scam, which reportedly mentions his name. He dismissed the claims as “hundred per cent fake,” stating, “Yesterday they said ED, CBI has filed a chargesheet against me. Of the 28 pages, in two places the name is mentioned without any address, father’s name, whether he is an MP, MLA or block president. CBI is speaking in the BJP’s tone, making vague references.” Abhishek added that the BJP had control over the CBI, ED, and even parts of the judiciary, but despite this, they” lacked the courage” of Trinamul Congress workers.

Looking ahead to the 2026 Assembly elections, Abhishek set a target of 215 seats for Trinamool Congress. He reminded party members of Mamata Banerjee’s statement in the Assembly, where she predicted a two-thirds majority, amounting to around 194-195 seats. “In the 2021 Assembly elections, we won 214 seats. Next year we have to win at least one seat more than the last election,” he said.

TMC’s Diamond Harbor MP also took the opportunity to warn party leaders against infighting and factionalism. “Forget about your differences. Those who indulge in WhatsApp group politics are not helping the party. Don’t keep power to yourself, go to the people with the welfare policies of the government,” said Banerjee. He stressed the importance of unity and focusing on the party's broader goals.