Mamata Banerjee on Sunday said her party wanted the bibekban (conscientious), instead of the bittoban (wealthy), conveying a stern message to the party's rank and file, in the wake of a slew of allegations, that she would not spare those involved in corruption or highhandedness ahead of the 2026 Assembly polls.
"We want Trinamul Congress (workers and leaders) to be social friends of the people. I want those who are bibekban. I don't want those who are bittoban. Do you know why? Because money comes and goes but there is no alternative to serving the people," Mamata said during her 40-odd-minute speech at the Martyrs' Day rally by the Victoria House in the heart of the city.
Mamata’s message came after the TMC won 29 Lok Sabha seats in the general election, leaving the BJP at 12 (six fewer than what it won in 2019). The TMC also won all six recent Assembly bypolls.
"I want to tell representatives in panchayats, municipalities, MPs, and MLAs that the party should not have to receive any complaint against any of you. If the party receives complaints against anyone, it will take necessary action," she said, indicating that her party would not tolerate it even if they were so-called seniors.
Mamata's warning from the annual marquee event is deemed significant amid reports of the highhandedness of numerous strongmen connected to the party emerging from various corners of the state.
From Cooch Behar to Calcutta, people of the state have recently witnessed how strongmen with TMC connections have allegedly become the law unto themselves in their areas. There are also complaints against those strongmen for various rent-seeking and extortionary activities.
The alleged involvement of a section of senior leaders, including local MLAs, with those strongmen became an embarrassment for the TMC despite its robust performance in recent elections.
"Live with whatever you have and don't be greedy. We don't want to be greedy. We want to be friends of the people. No one can defeat you till you continue with this spirit," Mamata added.
A senior TMC leader said Mamata had hinted that the party would go with a 'purification' drive and will not carry those 'greedy' and atrocious individuals forward ahead of the crucial 2026 Assembly polls.
"Didi had issued similar messages earlier. However, complaints continued as there was no proper review by the party itself. Her message from today's rally was loud and clear. It looks like the party will go ahead with a purification drive now," said a TMC leader.
Political scientists believe that the rise of such strongmen and the failure to control their activities during the left tenure was one of the reasons behind the end of their 34-year regime in 2011.
"The ruling TMC should take the recent reports of highhandedness seriously. Those strongmen are always trouble-mongers for any political party in power and should be censured," said a political observer.
However, the state government did not delay taking action against those once allegations against them were established. Mamata reminded her party colleagues that those accused of corruption or highhandedness would have to face police action.
"You all know that if there is any injustice, I do not even spare those in the TMC and ensure their arrest. I want to tell everyone not to be involved in injustice or tolerate it," said the Bengal chief minister, urging the party fellows not to be involved with corruption. Mamata suggested her party colleagues visit areas on foot or by motorbike instead of cars.
"We will not continue our association with anyone who does not serve the people after being elected."
Mamata asked the people to visit the houses of those who voted for the party to thank them. She asked them to meet the people of the areas where TMC did not win and apologise to them for not being able to win the people’s faith.
