Did Trinamool Select Abhishek Banerjee for Operation Sindoor Multi-Party Delegations?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Trinamool Congress nominated Abhishek Banerjee after Yusuf Pathan's withdrawal.
- The decision reflects a **strategic** stance against terrorism.
- Banerjee's involvement aims to enhance India's **global outreach**.
- Political tensions between Trinamool and BJP are evident.
- The situation underscores the importance of **consultation** in political nominations.
Kolkata, May 20 (NationPress) Following the withdrawal of its legislator Yusuf Pathan from the multi-party delegations concerning Operation Sindoor due to a perceived "lack of consultation," the Trinamool Congress has officially put forth its General Secretary and Member of Parliament, Abhishek Banerjee, as its representative.
In a statement, the party expressed, "We are pleased to announce that our Chairperson, Smt @MamataOfficial, has chosen Nat'l GS Shri @abhishekaitc to represent the Trinamool Congress in the all-party delegation aimed at India’s global efforts against terrorism."
The Trinamool emphasized that Abhishek Banerjee’s involvement would add both conviction and clarity during this pivotal time when global collaboration is essential in tackling the escalating threat of terrorism.
"His presence will not merely symbolize Bengal’s strong stance against terror but will also amplify India’s unified voice on the international platform," the statement further noted.
Previously, cricketer-turned-politician Pathan had been the sole nominee from the Trinamool for this delegation.
However, the party leadership, particularly Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, expressed significant discontent over the selection process, claiming that the Union government approached Pathan directly without prior notification to party leaders or the Chief Minister.
Both the Chief Minister and Abhishek Banerjee raised concerns on Monday about how the Union government and the BJP could unilaterally decide the party's representation in these delegations. Subsequently, Pathan's nomination was rescinded, leading to the nomination of Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday.
The Trinamool's decision to withdraw Pathan's name sparked intense criticism. The BJP’s Information Technology Cell Chief and West Bengal’s central observer, Amit Malviya, commented that Mamata Banerjee’s actions suggested an unwillingness to confront Pakistan-sponsored terrorism.
"Mamata Banerjee epitomizes detrimental politics, and unfortunately, West Bengal is feeling the repercussions. We must acknowledge the looming hostile demographic shift facing the state," Malviya stated.
The Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, asserted that the withdrawal of Pathan's nomination highlighted a perilous political approach by Mamata Banerjee, which prioritizes regional and personal interests over national concerns, thus emboldening anti-national factions.