Ex-Trinamool Minority Cell chief alleges forced entry, blames Abhishek Banerjee
Synopsis
A former Trinamool Congress Minority Cell Secretary has gone on record alleging coercion, extortion demands, and a 75-25 cut-money culture under the TMC regime — and named Abhishek Banerjee as the central figure behind the pressure. His openness about joining the BJP makes this more than a resignation; it is a targeted political strike.
Key Takeaways
Mohammed Ajmal Siddique resigned as TMC West Bengal Minority Cell Secretary and from primary party membership on 6 June .
He alleged that Binoy Mishra , acting on behalf of Abhishek Banerjee , demanded money from him in 2015-16 , leading to false cases and bail from the Supreme Court and High Court .
Siddique admitted 'cut money' operated at a '75-25 per cent' ratio in West Bengal under the previous TMC regime.
He alleged that the Minority Cell Secretary post was ceremonial and that Muslims were used solely as a 'vote bank' .
He praised Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and expressed willingness to join the BJP's minority cell if offered the opportunity.
Mohammed Ajmal Siddique, who resigned as Trinamool Congress West Bengal Secretary (Minority Cell) and from the party's primary membership, has alleged that he was coerced into joining the Mamata Banerjee-led outfit out of fear of Trinamool Congress General Secretary and MP Abhishek Banerjee. The allegations, made in Kolkata on 6 June, add to a growing chorus of dissent within the ruling party in West Bengal.
Key Allegations Against Abhishek Banerjee
Siddique claimed that between 2015 and 2016, a person named Binoy Mishra, acting on behalf of Abhishek Banerjee, demanded money from him while he was engaged in business. He stated: 'I was forced to join the party. In 2015-16, on behalf of Abhishek Banerjee, Binoy Mishra demanded money from me while I was doing business. I didn't give money due to which false cases were registered against me. After that, I had to take bail from the Supreme Court and the High Court.'
He further alleged that conducting business or even social work in West Bengal was impossible without affiliating with the Trinamool Congress (TMC), and that those who tried independently would face harassment. 'I joined the party because I was afraid of Abhishek Banerjee,' he said.
Criticism of Party Structure and 'Dictatorship'
Siddique accused Abhishek Banerjee of running what he described as a 'dictatorship' within the party, alleging that even party functionaries were required to route all communication through his Personal Assistant and were denied direct access. He blamed both Abhishek Banerjee and political consultancy firm I-PAC for the party's current difficulties, while notably sparing Mamata Banerjee, whom he called a 'very good, fighter lady' focused on governance.
'Due to Abhishek's pressure, she as well as the party have fallen into trouble. Didi was only concerned about work but I-PAC and Abhishek Banerjee have destroyed the party,' he alleged.
Cut Money and Minority Representation Concerns
In a significant admission, Siddique acknowledged that 'cut money' — a colloquial term for kickbacks on government contracts and welfare disbursements — operated on a '75-25 per cent' basis in West Bengal during the previous TMC regime. He also alleged that despite holding the post of Minority Cell Secretary, he was effectively sidelined from doing any meaningful work for the Muslim community.
'The post is just for the sake of it. No work is done, only "lollipop" is provided,' he said, adding that Muslims had been used purely as a 'vote bank' and reduced to a political 'villain' through fear-based messaging around the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Praise for BJP, Suvendu Adhikari
Siddique expressed confidence in West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, saying he hopes Adhikari will govern inclusively across religious communities. He also said the BJP had been doing 'good work' since coming to power in the state. When asked about joining the BJP's minority cell, he said: 'If given an opportunity, I will definitely join.'
The remarks are likely to sharpen the political debate in West Bengal ahead of future electoral cycles, as the TMC faces mounting internal dissent over the role of Abhishek Banerjee in party affairs.
Point of View
I-PAC, and the cut-money machinery in a single breath. What makes it notable is the admission about the 75-25 kickback culture, which, if corroborated, goes beyond factional infighting into governance accountability. The TMC has long managed minority dissent internally; a public defection with this level of specificity, combined with an open signal toward the BJP, suggests that the party's consolidation strategy in Muslim-majority constituencies may be fraying. The real question is whether this is an isolated exit or the visible edge of a broader realignment.
NationPress
1 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Mohammed Ajmal Siddique resign from the Trinamool Congress?
Siddique resigned as TMC West Bengal Minority Cell Secretary and from primary party membership, alleging he was coerced into joining the party out of fear of Abhishek Banerjee. He claimed false cases were filed against him after he refused to pay money demanded on Abhishek Banerjee's behalf, forcing him to seek bail from the Supreme Court and High Court.
What did Siddique allege about Abhishek Banerjee?
Siddique alleged that Abhishek Banerjee ran a 'dictatorship' within the TMC, that a person named Binoy Mishra demanded money from him on Abhishek's behalf in 2015-16, and that party workers were denied direct access to Abhishek and had to go through his Personal Assistant. He also blamed Abhishek and I-PAC for the party's current troubles.
What is 'cut money' and what did Siddique say about it?
Cut money refers to kickbacks extracted on government contracts and welfare scheme disbursements in West Bengal. Siddique admitted that cut money operated on a '75-25 per cent' basis during the previous TMC regime, in what was a significant public acknowledgement of the practice.
What did Siddique say about the TMC's treatment of the Muslim community?
Siddique alleged that the Minority Cell Secretary post was largely ceremonial, with no real work done for Muslims. He said the community had been used purely as a vote bank and made a 'villain' through fear-based messaging, with warnings that the BJP would harm them if they did not vote for the TMC.
Is Siddique planning to join the BJP?
Siddique expressed openness to joining the BJP's minority cell, stating 'If given an opportunity, I will definitely join.' He also praised West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, saying he hopes Adhikari will govern inclusively for both Hindus and Muslims.
