Mamata's message to miffed Suvendu Adhikari: 'Don't misunderstand TMC, I am still here'

A day after TMC heavyweight and Transport Minister of West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari held ar march with party flag where to be seen, West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee has said that she kws about everyone's intention in party. While Mamata seemingly issued a warning to Adhikari and or leaders for back-channel talks with BJP, she also seemed to send an olive branch to Adhikari. TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee assured that she will take action against opportunists in party and added that when people are in a party, y should work toger in tandem with each or. 

Mamata Banerjee said, "I have been in politics all my life. Through my experience, I can never claim that everybody is good. re may be one or two people who are t good, but we will set right those mistakes. TMC will rectify if some mistakes have been committed. re can be misunderstanding or someone may be angry with some individuals, but please don't misunderstand party for that." She also added, "TMC has a mechanism for seeking ground reports about its leaders and had removed several leaders against whom re were complaints."

She also asserted, however, "Some have grievances over who will act as party observer of which district. I want to make it clear that I am party's observer for entire state. When you are in a political party you need to take everybody along. I am occupied with administrative work. But from w on, I will look after both - party and government. If someone thinks that Didi is t aware of ir activities, n y are wrong. I am aware of everything. I want to say it clearly that I am very well aware of intentions of those who are keeping in touch with opposition camp. I kw re are few opportunists, but number is very less in comparison to dedicated workers," she said without naming anyone.

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Adhikari and TMC infighting 

Adhikari conducted ar march in Nandigram area in East Midnapore district on Tuesday without TMC banner. Adhikari took out a march in Khejuri area to pay respects to people who died during Nandigram anti-land acquisition agitation. This came even as he said that he is very much a part of party and will t quit until he is expelled. 

READ | Mamata's Trinamool uneasy as heavyweight Suvendu Adhikari holds march without party flag

On  'Nandigram Diwas' when Adhikari held march without party banner, he had lashed out saying, "After 13 years, a few people are w coming here as elections are approaching. I want to tell m if y are coming before polls, y will have to come after elections too". With six TMC MLAs on-st with Adhikari, he added, "Whatever I will have to say regarding my next course of action, I will say from a political platform. I will say everything but t from this pious st." Retorting to Adhikari's veiled threats, TMC MLA Firhad Hakim and party MP Dola Sen had blamed Adhikari for 'strengning BJP', without mentioning him.

Adhikari holds influence in about 35 assembly constituencies in West Midnapore, Bankura, Purulia, Jhargram and Birbhum districts. While Suvendu himself is very influential, his far Sisir Adhikari and younger bror Dibyendu Adhikari are TMC MPs from Tamluk and Kanthi Lok Sabha constituencies respectively. 

Sources in Trinamool have said that Adhikari is perhaps upset with organizational rearrangement in party a few months before polls and is against  idea of scrapping post of district observer. Some leaders apart from Adhikari who have expressed ir disappointment have hinted at Kishor's presence at party meeting and have pointed out that Mamata is longer controlling poll manment. As per people close to party, Adhikari is also worried about growing clout of Mamata's nephew Abhishek Banerjee. 

READ | West Bengal Transport Minister Suvendu Adhikary skips cabinet meeting

Mamata's attempt to persuade Adhikari

Mamata Banerjee who has been roped in poll strategist Prashant Kishor, for her re-election bid, sent him to Adhikari's East Midnapore residence. Kishor spoke to Adhikari's far- TMC MP Sisir Adhikari. Though he waited to meet Suvendu,reports said that he was sent back as Suvendu didn't want to meet him.  Bengal CM has also w tasked senior TMC leader Sougata Roy with job of holding talks with Adhikari, and latter has held several meetings with him, but y are to date inconclusive, as per sources in Trinamool. 

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