The Invitation and Demand for “Atonement”
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The Invite: West Bengal Congress president Subhankar Sarkar has publicly invited Trinamool Congress (TMC) supremo Mamata Banerjee to attend the Congress party’s July 21 ‘Martyrs’ Day’ programme at Shahid Minar in Kolkata.
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The Condition: Sarkar stated that if Banerjee chooses to attend, she should have the courage to acknowledge that leaving the Congress nearly three decades ago (in December 1997 to form the TMC) was a “wrong political decision” and a past political error.
The Legacy of the July 21 Movement
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Historical Context: The movement dates back to July 21, 1993, when 13 people died during police firing at a rally led by Banerjee.
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Ownership Dispute: Sarkar emphasized that the 1993 movement was originally organized under the Youth Congress flag, asserting that its historical association with the Congress party cannot be erased or rewritten by the TMC.
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Shifting Dynamics: Traditionally, the TMC has used July 21 to hold massive rallies showcasing its organizational strength, while the Congress held lower-key events. However, following the TMC’s loss of power in the state assembly polls, the political landscape has shifted.
TMC Fractures and Venue Disputes
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Internal Rebellion: The TMC is currently facing internal friction. A rebel faction led by Ritabrata Banerjee is planning a separate observance of the anniversary near the Mahatma Gandhi statue in Esplanade.
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Legal Hurdles: Meanwhile, the police have denied permission to the faction loyal to the former Chief Minister (Mamata Banerjee) to hold their traditional rally in front of Victoria House, a matter that is currently pending in court.
