Trinamool national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee announced on Wednesday his decision to take a “short hiatus” from the party organisation for medical reasons, and hoped the break would give him a window to better understand people's needs.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s nephew and heir-apparent announced this on social media.

“In light of some pressing medical reasons, I will be taking a short hiatus from the organisation. This time off will be an opportunity for me to humbly explore and understand the needs of our people and community,” he wrote.

“I trust that GoWB will act swiftly and leave no stone unturned to ensure justice for those in need,” added the Diamond Harbour MP.

Abhishek, who led with his aunt the grueling campaign he meticulously planned through the harsh summer for the crucial general election to deliver yet another triumph for their party, has been undergoing treatment for eight years for a chronic ocular problem.

Since an October 2016 highway crash near Singur in which Abhishek critically injured his left eye, he has undergone several rounds of surgery in India and abroad. In August last year, he went to the US for one such round of treatment.

However, it remains unclear whether the medical reasons have to do with his left eye.

Sources in the senior leadership of the party refused to entertain speculation over whether this had anything to do with rumours in the Bengal corridors of power over yet another rift between the nephew and the aunt.

In his post, Abhishek also recalled his travels across Bengal around this year last time, with the Nabo Jowar mega outreach.

“Witnessing firsthand the hardships caused by RISING PRICES and the stoppage of MGNREGA dues deeply affected me. In response, @AITCofficial organized statewide protests and took the matter to Delhi to fight for people’s rights,” he wrote.

“Thankfully, this was addressed in February, along with an increase in financial assistance through the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme to help families,” he added.

He thanked Bengal voters for reposing faith in his party yet again.

“I am profoundly grateful to the people of Bengal for their trust and faith in us. The results of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections reflect the anger and frustration of the people, especially regarding the neglect of basic housing rights due to the state-center conflict,” wrote Abhishek.

“We have committed to addressing this by December 31st, and I have already requested the HCM (Mamata) and relevant authorities of GoWB to prioritize this issue,” he added.